Joan F. (Murphy) Boisvert, 82, of Salem

Obituary courtesy of O'Donnell Funeral & Cremation Services

SALEM, MA- Mrs. Joan F. (Murphy) Boisvert, 82, of Salem, beloved wife of the late Richard E. Boisvert, loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 17, 2016.

Born and raised in Salem, Joan was known to many as an entrepreneur, for her generous volunteerism, and for her passion for antiques. As a young mother, Joan was active in the church, serving as Sacristan of St. Thomas Church and President of the St. Thomas Women's Guild. She was a Cub Scouts den mother, and an avid supporter of Salem girls' athletics. She provided many hours of volunteer childcare for single working parents in Salem.

As her own children grew, Joan, a talented and adventurous cook, opened a catering business, producing lavish gourmet dinner parties for North Shore celebrities, politicians, and sports figures. Along with her son, Richard, she became co-owner of Rinaldo's, a popular Italian eatery in Marblehead.

Joan's passion for antiques landed her as co-owner, and eventually owner, of the popular Canal Street Antique Flea Market in Salem. As the physical rigor of that business took its toll, Joan became an early adopter of e-commerce technology, and ran a successful online antiques business for 15 years.

Avid travelers, Joan and Richard made memories in Europe, the Holy Land, the Caribbean, the Hawaiian Islands, and South America. They were well known for their love of cruises, and organized a number of high-spirited group cruises with Salem teachers and their families.

Joan is survived by her son Richard Boisvert, Jr., of Salem, her daughter, Deborah Weiss of Laguna Woods, CA, and her grandsons, Anthony and Dominic Boisvert.
ARRANGEMENTS: At her request funeral services will be private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is The O'Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem. To share a memory or offer a condolence please, visitwww.odonnellfuneralservice.com.