Joan B. Doran

Seekonk, MA – Joan B. (Karpowich) Doran, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 9, 2023 at the Hope Hospice Center in Providence, RI. She was the beloved wife of the late Harold E. Doran. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Cecilia (Stojek) Karpowich. Joan graduated high school from Sacred Heart Academy, Pawtucket, and completed her education at Roger Williams School of Nursing. Joan and her late husband owned and operated the former Doran Studio of Seekonk, MA for over fifty years. They specialized in capturing precious wedding memories for thousands of families in our community at their pristine outdoor photography studio. Throughout her career, while working the family business and raising her family, she also worked as a registered nurse at the VA Medical Center, Providence, for thirty-five years. She was innovative working at one of the first VA Medical Center Dialysis Centers where she not only provided patient care but managed the dialysis technology. Joan cherished her time working for Marc S Weinberg, MD in his Nephrology practice and during his tenure at the VA Medical Center. She ended her 50-year nursing career at Fresenius Kidney Care, Providence, where she provided patients with outpatient dialysis. Throughout her career, Joan was a character and always focused on creating a positive environment for her patients and fellow employees. Every holiday gave Joan the chance to dress up in whacky costumes; bringing laughter to her unit. She was a prankster, a realist but most importantly respected the dignity of her patients by providing her patients and their families with amazing care, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Joan was a longtime communicant of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Seekonk, MA as well and previously at the former St. Leos, Pawtucket, RI and embraced her faith community. Hosting celebrations at her Seekonk home, “the land” was an experience no one wanted to miss; especially watching the Seekonk Memorial Day Parades, celebrating with the “Queen of 4th of July” and experiencing her “not so quiet” Christmas Eve Celebrations – ensuring her Polish traditions would continue for generations to come. You could always find Joan working in the garden, covered in dirt, and singing “You Are My Sunshine”… her favorite song. Family is everything to her and Sunday dinners were her tradition where everyone was welcomed (expected). She is survived by two loving daughters, Marianne “Mimi” Doran-Collins and her husband, Matthew, and Christine M. Pistocco and her husband, Lou, all of Attleboro, MA; five beloved grandchildren, Ashley, Alicia, Meaghan, Mikaela and her husband, David, and Patrick; a great-granddaughter, Mila; two brothers, Joseph Karpowich of Englewood, FL and Francis Karpowich of Cumberland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who were actively involved in her life. With her late Mother Cecilia Karpowich, her late Godmother Alice (Koniezny) Bozek and her daughter Dot Carpenter, they established a 60+ year cherished tradition of making Christmas Eve pierogis for multiple families that continues today. Joan’s dear friends, Irene Lynch (Zuromski) of Pawtucket, a childhood friend for over 80 years and Clare Burns of Naples, FL, her VA nursing colleague for over 50 years were her nucleus and partners throughout her life journeys. 130 years of friendship are rare and a reason for celebration! Joan was one of the strongest people you will ever meet and fought hard through this illness. Special thanks to the amazing care provided to Joan by Dr. John Reagan of the Rhode Island Hospital Oncology Center and Dr. Suzanne Burns her PCP, the staff at Tockwotton on the Waterfront who went above and beyond and the compassionate care provided at the Hope Health Hospice Center. Relatives and friends are welcome to celebrate Joan’s life at a Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Fr. Sean Kulacz, on Friday, January 20th at 11:00AM in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Coyle Dr., Seekonk, MA. Interment with her late husband will follow at Seekonk Cemetery, Newman Ave., Seekonk. Visitation and floral tributes are respectfully omitted. Memorial gifts to the VA Medical Center, 830 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, RI 02908 would be appreciated. Online condolences at TRIPPFUNERALHOME.com

Joan B. Doran

November 27, 1937 - January 9, 2023