Joan T. Glatz

Joan T. Glatz, vivacious and loving, died peacefully in her sleep on October 23, 2024 in Walpole, MA at the age of 87. 

Joan is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Fred J. Glatz, and their five children: Susan Gianetti (Edward) of Franklin, MA; Mary Beth Counts (Wade) of Tyringham, MA; David Glatz of Castelldefels, Spain; Bob Glatz of Watertown, MA; and Elissa Velasco Carr (Michael) of Riverside, RI. She was a cherished grandmother to 10 grandchildren (Nick, Christie, Natalie, Elissa, Skye, Cam, Lucia, Rocio, Jeremy, Freddie) and the proud great-grandmother of 2 great-grandchildren (Tommy & Elliott). She is pre-deceased by her sisters Dee, Sherry and her brother Bob.

Joan was born on July 9,1937 in Carnegie, PA to the late Stella and Anthony Michigan. She attended Carnegie High School and the University of Pittsburgh where she met her future husband, Fred, before embarking on a life dedicated to her family and community.

For more than 20 years, Joan served as the Assistant Town Clerk of Topsfield, Massachusetts, where she was admired for her dedication, warmth, and bottomless candy dish. In addition to her work at Town Hall, Joan became a well-known figure as the "toughest Security Guard" at the Topsfield Fair, a role she embraced with strength, humor, and kindness.

Joan’s dedication to her family was immeasurable. She was the consummate coach’s wife, and the ultimate college team mom; she supported every type of sport or activity the 5 kids were involved with while also teaching CCD and mentoring many in 4H clubs. When her grandchildren came along, Joan was their biggest cheerleader, whether it was at a practice, game, dance/cheer competition, or school event. 

She possessed many talents: creator of beautiful holiday decorations, baker of her famous Congo bars and blueberry muffins, maker of her unforgettable sandwiches and designer of spectacular Halloween costumes, many of which she modeled all around Topsfield & the Town Hall.

Joanie, as she was affectionately called in her later years, will be remembered for her radiant spirit, her unwavering love for her family, and her remarkable sparkle. Her legacy of kindness, resilience, and joy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. 

A funeral mass will be held to celebrate Joan's life on November 2, 2024 at 11 am at St John’s Preparatory School Chapel in Danvers, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice in her memory – please raise a glass with a daiquiri in her honor.