Joan A. Hudon

HOLLAND: On April 4, 2024, Joan A. (Gerlando) Hudon, 84, passed at UMASS-Harrington in Southbridge. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Hudon, in 2006. Joan is survived by her two sons, Kenneth J. Flythe of Agawam and Michael A. Hastings of Desert Hot Springs, CA; three daughters, Robin L. Monaco of Glen Burnie, MD, Dawn M. Curboy of Sturbridge, and Jody L. Scaife of Brimfield; her sister Rosemarie Wheeler of Toms River NJ; as well as nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a daughter Eleanor Hastings in 2015, a grandson George Hastings in 1987 and a great granddaughter Kailey Holloman in 2024.

Joan was born in Iselin, NJ, to Joseph R. and Mary A. (Buckley) Gerlando. She obtained her Associates degree in Business Administration at the age of 76 and dedicated many years to working as a finance manager for various new car dealerships, including Bolles Toyota in Union and Stafford, CT.

Known for her love of bargain hunting in retail and thrift stores, Joan also found joy in cooking, crochet work, sewing, and dancing on special occasions.  There are countless children who received hand-made mittens and hats.  Joan was also known to open her home and kitchen for late night meals when her children brought a group of friends over after a night out.  An unsuspecting person whose life journey allowed her to cross paths with some historically famous people, including run-ins with Janis Joplin and Eric Clapton.  Last, but not least, her 2 true loves; her dogs and sugary treats.  She loved her faithful companions Puppy and Dani.  It was also a rare occasion when there weren’t Peeps, circus peanuts, or ribbon candy to be found.

May Joani rest in peace as her memory lives on through her loving family and cherished moments shared with many.

A funeral service to celebrate Joan's life will be held on Tuesday, April 9th, at 7PM at the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home on 51 Marcy St., Southbridge. Prior to the service, calling hours will take place from 5 to 7PM at the funeral home. The burial will be held at Bourne Veterans Cemetery in Bourne, MA, at a time to be announced.

For those who wish to leave condolences, an online guestbook and a video tribute can be found at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com.