Joan Ann (Armstrong) Ethier, 84, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at Christopher House of Worcester after an illness. She was born and raised in Holden, the daughter of John S. and Mary T. (Nolan) Armstrong and had lived in Palm Bay, Florida for 28 years.

Her loving husband of 32 years, Ralph A. Ethier, passed away in 1990. She leaves two sons, Paul M. Ethier and his wife, Di-Ann of Cherry Valley and Thomas E. Ethier of Douglas; two daughters, Jacqualyn A. Velozo of Hanover, NH and Charlene Stauro of Spencer; her brother, Ronald Armstrong of Jefferson, CT; ten grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers, Robert, Roger and John Armstrong and two sisters, Katherine Parker and Jeanette Winslow.

Joan graduated from Wachusett Regional Holden High School and attended Quinsigamond Community College. She was a medical secretary for Dr. Bancroft Wheeler’s office in Worcester for over 45 years before retiring in 1989. She also owned and operated Ethier’s Café in Spencer for 41 years. Joan was a hard working women who was devoted to her family. She was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Church in Worcester and enjoyed gardening and painting her house.

The family would like to thank the staff of Christopher House in Worcester for their care and compassion. It was greatly appreciated.

The private committal service will be held at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christopher House, Activities Fund, 10 Mary Scano Drive, Worcester, MA 01605. Arrangements are under the care of the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.