Joanne Doucette

In Loving Memory of Joanne Doucette

October 31, 1945 – November 7, 2024

It is with deep sadness and great sorrow that we announce that our beloved mother, Joanne Doucette, age 80, peacefully passed away on the afternoon of Friday, November 7, after a years-long battle against Stage 4 colon cancer. She was surrounded by family in her Maine-themed She Shed.

Joanne was born on October 31, 1945, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Dr. Joseph and Ednamae Colonna. She was the older sister to her brother, Joe, and sister, Barbara. Joanne attended Holy Angels Academy in Fort Lee, New Jersey, before attending and graduating from Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont. She earned a B.S. in Secretarial Sciences and had a career as a paralegal at various law firms, later working as an administrative assistant for Valley Home Healthcare in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

While a junior at Trinity College, Joanne met the love of her life, Paul Doucette, at a Saint Michael’s College Senior Week party in 1966. They reconnected that fall, much to her surprise, and soon became a couple. They were married on May 4, 1968, and shared a beautiful life filled with love and joy. Joanne was the proud mother of two daughters, Cindy and Kathy, and grandmother of three, Allie, Connor, and Caitlyn. She was also overjoyed to recently become a great-grandmother to Callum, born this past July. Joanne adored dogs and had several beloved “fur babies” throughout her life. Most recently, Gracie Lou and her grand-puppy Percy brought her many laughs and smiles.

Joanne loved the outdoors and the beach. She often spent her weekends at the barn, riding and caring for her horses, Whiskey and later Scout. Almost every vacation was spent in Maine, overlooking the Atlantic or Lake Cobbossee, where she enjoyed kayaking. Joanne was also passionate about volunteering at food pantries in both New Jersey and Texas, as well as at local libraries. Oasis, A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson, New Jersey, was especially dear to her heart. She volunteered there for over 15 years and continued to raise funds for the organization even after moving to Texas in 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Oasis at oasisnj.org.

While in Texas, Joanne spent countless hours with her grandkids, Connor and Caitlyn, often helping with after-school activities and even teaching them to drive. She also became quite the avid fan of the Fightin’ Texas Aggies football team, after 76 years of never caring much about sports, since both grandchildren attend Texas A&M University.

In July 2024, Joanne was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized to her liver and lungs. She fought valiantly through four different treatment protocols over the course of 14 months, still cherishing her time with family. She passed away quietly at home, with her loved ones by her side, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Joanne is survived by her husband of 57 years, Paul, her brother, Dr. Joseph Colonna, and his wife, Maria, her three nieces, Laura, Katie, and Christine and her sister, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Barbara Colonna. She is also survived by her two daughters, Cindy Doucette and her husband, Joe Marchese, Kathy Wagner and her husband, Greg and her three grandchildren: Allie Marchese Kinney and her husband, Dylan, and Connor and Caitlyn Wagner. She is also survived by one great-grandson, Callum Kinney.

Friends are invited to attend Memorial Services at the chapel in Ramsey Funeral Home,
5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX, on Thursday, November 13, from 6–8pm.  A Funeral Mass will be held at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church, 6571 FM 970, Andice, TX, on Friday, November 14, at 11am.  A graveside ceremony will follow the Mass at 12:15 p.m., with a reception immediately afterward for friends and loved ones.