JoAnn B. Comtois

JoAnn B. (McCarthy) Comtois,58, a Lowell resident, beloved wife of Victor H. Comtois with whom she would have celebrated 39 years of marriage in June, died Friday January 9, 2009 at her home, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous 2 � year battle with cancer.

Born in Lowell on July 21, 1950, she was a daughter of John and Anita (Charette) McCarthy of Lowell.

Since 1991, JoAnn was a loving foster mother to more than 75 children. In 1999, she and her husband were recognized for their devotion to Foster Parenting by receiving the Foster Parent of the Year Award. She was a loving woman who opened her heart and her home to many.

JoAnn enjoyed camping with her family and was very talented when it came to arts and crafts. Most of all, taking care of her precious grandchildren was a joy in her life.

Besides her husband and her parents, she is survived by four sons, Jason J. Comtois and his wife Raegan of Lowell, Nicholas G. Comtois of Lowell, Jonathan Mercer of Lowell, Matthew Mercer of Lowell; two daughters, Sherry A. Ferreira and her husband Christopher of Lowell, Colleen M. Reis and her husband Mario of Lowell; four brothers, John McCarthy and his wife Terri of Derry, NH, James McCarthy and his wife Karen of Hudson, NH, Jeffrey McCarthy and his wife Diane of Dracut, Joseph McCarthy and his wife Lynne of Lowell; two sisters, Joyce Dastou and her husband William of Lowell, Janice Poulin and her husband Mike of Manchester, NH; seven grandchildren, Dylan Comtois, Kayleigh Ferreira, Christina Ferreira, Paige Comtois, Demetri Reis, Gavyn Reis, Andrew Ferreira; three very close friends, Natalie, Donna and Joanne; many nieces and nephews.