Obituary: Mary Joan Glick, Former Lowell and East Providence Resident

Nurturing Nurse and Dedicated Mother

East Providence, Rhode Island – Mary Joan Glick, RN, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2024, at a hospice care center in East Providence, where she resided in her later years. Joan was born on March 27, 1930, in the vibrant city of Lowell, Massachusetts, to the loving parents of Charles H. and Gertrude (Welcome) McNerney.

Academic and Military Accomplishments

Joan’s academic journey began at Lowell High School, where she excelled in her studies. Driven by a passion for helping others, she enrolled in the prestigious Lowell General Hospital Nursing School, laying the foundation for her dedicated nursing career. Following her graduation, Joan served honorably in the United States Air Force, where she utilized her nursing skills and developed a strong sense of discipline and service.

A Life of Service and Retirement in Nature’s Embrace

After her military service, Joan settled in the charming seaside town of Sandwich, Massachusetts. There, she continued to pursue her nursing career at Cape Cod and Falmouth Hospital, where she provided compassionate care to countless patients over the years. Upon her retirement, Joan’s love for nature and the outdoors blossomed. She immersed herself in maintaining her beautiful gardens and tending to her small farm, which was home to chickens, sheep, and geese. Joan found immense joy and solace in the company of her animal companions.

Cherished Family and Lasting Legacy

Joan was predeceased by her brother, Charles H. McNerney Jr., and her sister, Patricia McNerney. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Julie (Glick) Grimes, and her son-in-law, George, who reside in Warwick, Rhode Island. Joan’s grandchildren, Alison of Medford, Massachusetts, and Anya Darmetko, Esq., of New Carrollton, Ohio, brought her immense pride and happiness. She also cherished her son, Andre Annachie, of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Joan’s legacy extends to her loving sister, Carol A. Vaillancourt, of Dunstable, Massachusetts, and her nephews, David Vaillancourt, Ph.D., of South Hadley, Massachusetts, Michael Vaillancourt of Dunstable, and Peter Vaillancourt of Hudson, New Hampshire, and their respective spouses, Alain Arguelles DDS, Carmen Rojas, and Susan Vaillancourt. Joan’s great-nephew, Evan G. Vaillancourt, holds a special place in her heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of America, an organization dedicated to supporting research and providing care for those affected by the disease.

Joan’s burial will take place privately in a Veterans Cemetery in Rhode Island, where she will be laid to rest with the honor she deserves for her service to her country and her community.