Obituary of Joan Ann (Cheney) Phillips

On her 85th birthday, Joan died peacefully at home in Peabody surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. Born in Woburn, Massachusetts to Herbert Sterling Cheney and Elizabeth Doucette Cheney, Joan was raised and educated in Salem, Massachusetts and enjoyed her childhood friends throughout her life. Joan and her beloved Charlie met, fell in love, and married as teenagers, bringing her into his fold of family and friends in Peabody, where they lived most happily for 46 years until Charlie’s passing in 1999. Together their lives were filled with the joy of their two children, three grandchildren, extended family and many friends. Joan worked in Salem Hospital in the billing department until retiring between Peabody and Florida. Joan and Charlie were known for the generosity of spirit, their devotion to loved ones, and had an innate talent for entertaining. Joan was the consummate hostess who was welcoming to everyone. She was as quick with her wit as she was to lend an ear, her heart. In Florida they maintained their old friendships and expanded their circle as they ran the pancake breakfasts, dinner dances and work out classes. Joan and Charlie were avid dancers socially and performed tap with The Golden Steppers. Upon the loss of her Charlie she brought her uplifting spirit to the world of retail in both Peabody and Florida until finally returning to her roots. Until December of 2019, she graced the jewelry counter at TJMAXX where she was fondly known as “Jewelry Joan.” She was devoted to her job and adored her coworkers. She continued to get together to dine and play cards with old friends until just recently. Her love and devotion was most evident in her undaunted support of her daughter D. Marie Phillips and her husband, Kurt Armsden, her son Wayne E. Phillips and his three children Leah Phillips and her son, Christian, Wayne Phillips, Jr. , his wife, Christina and their two children Charlie and Jack, Taylor Phillips and her daughter Lacey. She shared much joy with all of them. She will be deeply missed. She was predeceased by her brother Norman Cheney. A visitation for Joan will be held on Wednesday, July 29, from 2- 7P.M. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. Her funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 30, in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1 Margin St., Peabody, at 11 A.M. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. All attendees are required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite b-102, Danvers, MA 01923.