Joan M. (Gilreath) Dempsey

Mrs. Joan M. (Gilreath) Dempsey, of Waltham, died Friday, November 10, 2023 at CareOne in Newton.  She was 81.

Joan was born and raised in Cambridge, a daughter of the late Elmer and Marie (Racicot) Gilreath. Following her marriage to fellow Cantabrigian John J. “Jack” Dempsey, the pair moved to Waltham where they became lifelong residents and raised their daughters.

She was a parishioner of Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church where she served as a Eucharistic minister for many years.  Joan worked at several part-time jobs over the years while raising her family.  Her energetic, friendly and kind nature earned her many friends wherever she went.

In addition to her beloved husband of sixty-years, Jack, she leaves her daughter, Karen M. Harnett of Waltham; her grandchildren, Michael and Abigail Harnett and Amanda and Aidan Wenckus; her brothers, Donald, David, Mark and James Gilreath and several nieces, nephews and their families.

Joan was also the mother of the late Kathryn M. Dempsey.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joan’s life by gathering to visit in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, November 17^th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by her funeral service at noon.  Burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or at https://www.alz.org/