Joan Burrows

Joan Tremaine Swift Burrows was born on May 12, 1931, and died surrounded by family in her beloved home and sleeper chair at 11:20am October 17, 2026. She never lost a memory nor missed a conversation.

Joan loved music and children, felines and theater, chocolate covered cherries, peppermint patties, and her garden filled with birds, butterflies and flowers…but mostly, Joan loved being an advocate for those in need.

Joan earned a degree in social work and received the Colonel Francis Faulkner Sr Award for Exemplary Volunteer Services due to her profound and enduring work with the Acton Disability Commission. She spearheaded and kept the Commission’s Puppet Education program thriving throughout her adult life. She fought to educate children, politicians and business owners alike; helping everyone think about the world from different perspectives, reach for real equity, and connect in all ways.

The Acton Arboretum is filled today with flowers planted by the Commission, in Joan’s honor.

Joan was a gifted piano teacher, using the tenets and brilliance of Raymond Burrows as her theoretical guide. The world is filled with children singing the melodies they learned during giggles and joy under her tutelage. A vocalist and Bell Ringer, actress and caretaker, Joan was also talented as a writer: writing for the local paper, for the Acton Disability Commission, and quietly, in her own in notebooks neatly tucked away throughout her home. (We are still finding them, Mom)

Joan was also more than all of this: she was Mom and Gramma, wife and sister, aunt, daughter and dear friend Joanie. Her value to this world and all who share it was - and continues to be - beyond calculation. Joan leaves all who love her, including children, grandchildren, 1.5 great grandchildren, and beloved, grieving friends (including her newest friends from New Beginnings, Care Dimensions, and her own amazing care team of nursing students) who honor and nurture her loving heart, impulsive energy, sense of wonder and curious soul with our own commitment to live and love purposefully. Joanie was a flashing light fueled by tenacity, peanut butter on raisin bread, and Pepsi.

Joan’s musical idol was the voice and soul of Judy Garland, who brought us all Somewhere, Over the Rainbow. I hope, my Mom whom I will always miss, that you are right this second up there where troubles melt like lemon drops and all of the happy little bluebirds have flown. You are loved.

Services are Private.