Joan (Alcarez) DeAmicis of Dennis, MA, passed away on April 10, 2020 after a long battle with lung cancer. She was born in South Boston to her beloved parents, Frank and Norah Alcarez. Known as Joanie to those who knew her well, she was proud of her Southie roots and never lost her signature accent after four decades of living on Cape Cod. She was a graduate of Boston College and received a Master’s in education from Worcester State College. She spent many years teaching statistics at Cape Cod Community College and also worked as a restaurant auditor for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Her children knew to never give their real names when making a reservation.

Joanie was a brilliant woman, and steadfast in her beliefs and opinions. She fought hard for things and people she believed in, including herself. She was an avid do-it-yourselfer, always with many projects in various stages of completion. Joan delighted in having her whole family together at the beach or on the back porch to share stories, laugh, eat grilled steak, and drink wine. She sang Irish songs with “the voice of an angel,” and loved salsa dancing in the kitchen with her daughters. Joan’s morning coffee and crossword were sacred rituals, in addition to her devotion at Our Lady of the Cape. She loved the ocean; when walking the beach became too difficult, she would still visit from the parking lot to “see if it’s still there.”

Joan is survived by her son Shawn DeAmicis of Chicago, IL, daughter and son-in-law Mary and Greg Clendenning of Arlington, VA, and daughter and son-in-law Kristen DeAmicis Bartlett and Chuck Bartlett of Medford, MA; her grandsons Noah and Ben Clendenning, who were the absolute joy of her life, and for whom she would bake her blueberry muffins even on the hottest summer days; her brother and sister-in-law Robert and Jane Alcarez of Whitman, MA; and many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends who will miss her kindness, humor, and earnest note writing. She was predeceased by a sister, Doris McGuire. Joan’s extended family of neighbors and friends were a great source of happiness and support. The family wishes to express sincerest gratitude to the family she chose, especially Marge McAuliffe, Barb Lawlor, Mary Vavrinec, Bill and Meredith Barnes, and the Journet Family.

A celebration of her life will be announced in the future when it is safe to gather. Those so inclined may honor Joan's memory by making a contribution to the Dennis Conservation Land Trust or Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod.

I met Joan when our daughters were Girl Scouts. We shared an interest in St. Vincent de Paul and Our Lady of the Cape and it's Ladies Guild. God Bless You.

Joan was a joy to work with in Our Lady of the Cape's Ladies Guild. When I was serving as president some years back, she was always willing to come forward and pitch in with the assistance we needed. I will miss her beautiful smile and the light she shone on all of us. ---Barbara Bowers

I remember Joan from the College. She was not only a fine statistics instructor but also a strong advocate for fairness and justice in the College community. May Joan be at peace and her family celebrate her life forever.

I will miss Joanie's laugh. It was indisputable joy when you heard her. My sincerest condolences to Kristen, Mary and Shawn, who were the light of her life. I have always, stuck in my memories, a vision of watching Joanie in her VW Bus, picking up my Samantha to join Kristen and Shirley for a weekend of camping fun with Joan. Such a lovely lady.

We were so lucky to have Joan and her family as neighbors for 14 years. Joan was the "mother" I needed, and didn't have, while I raised my sons. The whole DeAmicis family was so supportive and loving. When we moved, I had a huge hole in my life with the loss of neighborhood love and camaraderie. My family and I will forever be thankful for Joan and her family's love and support. I look forward to being able to hug Kristen, Mary, and Shawn, and thanking them in person for their wonderful mother and letting them know how much Joan will be missed. OOO Kathy, Joe, Mike, & Ben

I was a returning student at 4Cs in the 80’s. I only needed. 1 math course to graduate and the counselor suggested statistics. I’d heard horror stories about how difficult statistics was. However, Joan was wonderful! She was a great teacher and made the classes enjoyable.