Celebrating the
Life of Joan Straw

Joan Dalziel Straw, 69, of Beverly, MA, formerly of Newbury, passed away December 28th, 2020, after contracting
COVID-19. 

 

Born in Virginia, Joan was one of three children to Colonel Davison Dalziel and Jean (Holden) Dalziel. As part of an Air Force Family, she spent her younger years in several different states. She attended high school and college in Arkansas, but moved to Massachusetts after marrying. 

 

Joan lived most of her life in Newbury, where she raised her two daughters and worked as a human resource manager at Berkshire Manufactured Products, and later, as a librarian at the Newburyport Public Library. She had a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife, and loved traveling, reading, and spending time on Lake Lashaway with her extended family.

 

Over the years Joan volunteered her time to St. Paul’s church in Newburyport and to THWC, Inc. Crisis Center in Amesbury. Joan loved to take long scenic “drive-abouts” throughout New England, especially during leaf peeping season. She enjoyed a good cup of coffee, finding hidden treasure at yard sales, reading Mary Oliver poems, walking on the beach, and spending time with her grandchildren. Joan will be especially remembered for her quick wit and engaging storytelling.

 

Joan was predeceased by her sister, Madelyn Chain. Joan is survived by her daughter Olivia Straw and husband Daniel Murphy of Danvers; daughter Hillary Stasonis and husband Chris Stasonis of North Andover; her brother, Davison Dalziel of Spencer, MA; and her two grandsons, Hunter and Galen Stasonis. Joan shared many happy memories with Mike Donahue and his children Michael, Melissa, Meghann, and Melanie over the years. Joan will also be missed by many cousins and extended family who loved her dearly. 

 

Services for Mrs. Straw will be private.  A tribute to her life will be celebrated with family and friends at a later date. 

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan’s memory to The Friends of the Newburyport Public Library at www.newburyportfol.org