Joanne Emma Desilets

Joanne Emma (Coyne) Desilets, 83, of Peabody, Massachusetts, was called home to God on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Rudolph J. “Rudy” Desilets, with whom she shared 49 years of marriage before his death in 2014.

Born in Lynn, MA on October 4, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Martin Joseph Coyne and Phyllis (DiChirico) Robish. She was raised and educated in Lynn and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1961.

A longtime Peabody resident, Joanne began her working career at Kemper Insurance in Lynn. Following her marriage, she worked for UPS for 30 years, where she was the only female pre-sorter at the time. She worked the night shift so she could be home with her children, a reflection of the deep devotion to family that guided her life. She also enjoyed baking for her coworkers, who especially loved her chocolate trifle and Congo squares.

Joanne’s tremendous faith was at the center of her life. A dedicated parishioner of Saint Adelaide Church in West Peabody, she generously shared her time and talents, whether creating liturgical bulletin boards, volunteering for the Silver Social, assisting with the church linens, or singing in the choir. She was a longtime member of the Third Order Discalced Carmelites at the Carmel of St Thérèse making her Final Promises on the Solemnity of Our Holy Father St John of the Cross, Saturday, December 14, 2013. The Carmel of Saint Thérèse in Danvers held a special place in her heart where her daughter, Sister Bernadette, was a member, and where she also attended daily mass after her retirement. She faithfully supported the sisters, visiting with them often, and delighted in sharing vegetables from her garden, especially lettuce and tomatoes.

A wonderful cook and baker, Joanne found joy in preparing food for others. She preserved garden tomatoes, made pickles and relish, and lovingly created chiffon birthday cakes for family and friends, beautifully decorated with fresh flowers. Her Irish bread was a welcomed gift that she would bring every time she visited family and friends. Her care for others also extended to a special “phone ministry,” through which she called friends daily to check in and offer companionship. Prayer was at the core of who she was as a devoted Catholic.

An animal lover, she cherished her four German Shorthaired Pointers and enjoyed accompanying her husband on pheasant hunting trips. At home, she loved old films, murder mysteries, and tuning in to the Cooking Channel to see what was being prepared. Joanne also enjoyed her weekly water aerobics at the Danvers YMCA with her sister Eileen that brought her great joy.

Her three grandchildren were a blessing from God that she took great delight in spending every moment making memories with them. They brought her such great joy and pride, and it was a tremendous gift for her to watch them grow into the fine young lady and gentlemen that they are today. She loved and prayed for them every day to continue to grow in God’s grace and goodness.

She leaves behind two daughters, Heather Lagonakis and her husband, Angelo of Salem, and Sister Bernadette of the Immaculate Conception, O.C.D., of Holy Trinity Carmel in Washington; three grandchildren, Alexandra, Nondas, and Demitrios; two sisters, Eileen Bakoian and her husband Robert of Middleton, and Maryann Ford of Beverly; and several nieces and nephews.

Her Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. in Saint Adelaide Church, Lowell Street, Peabody. Burial will follow in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, West Peabody. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours are Tuesday, November 10, from 3 to 7 p.m. at C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm Street, Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Carmel, 4027 S. Wilbur Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99206 or Saint Adelaide Parish, 712 Lowell St., Peabody, MA 01970. To share a message of sympathy with the family, please visit www.lyonsfuneral.com.