Obituary of Joan M. Lockhart

May 8, 1943 – January 27, 2018

Joan M. Lockhart.  Age 74 of Plymouth.

Beloved wife of the late Robert Lockhart.  Loving mother of Veronica (David) Smith and Theresa Lazar.  Dearest grandmother of Jarrod (Casey), Joshua (Katy) and Kara (Cody).  Great grandmother of Logan.  Dear sister of Arnie (Paula) Lemieux and Dorothy Brill.  Preceded in death by parents Peter and Josie Lemieux.

Family Tributes ~

From granddaughter, Kara Menard:

Grandma was the strongest person I have ever known. I never once heard her complain and she always had a smile with so much love to give. I have been very fortunate to grow up with her and spend so much time with her.

My most special memory with her was playing Old Maid. She would sit at the kitchen table with me for hours playing that game. She had a true green thumb, always fiddling in the garden and letting me help her water the flowers.

I will forever miss her but will always cherish the time I had with her.

From Grandson Joshua Smith:

What I would like Grandma to be remembered for is her selflessness. 

I never grew up down the street or even in the same state as any of my grandparents. Roughly once a year my parents would take Jarrod and I up north to Michigan from Tennessee. 

An 8 hour trip like that is torture to a child so when we arrived at grandmas all I wanted to do was cut loose and watch two of the greatest movies ever created. The Mask starring Jim Carrey & Mrs. Doubtfire starring Robin Williams. 

I would grab the vhs tapes, take over the television, and watch them each no less then 6 times through out my week long visit. 

Grandma Joan never complained and never suggested another movie. She would just hang out and listen to me quote every other line between the two movies. Even seeing her only once a year I still grew close to her. She was patient, loving, and caring. That’s what I remember, And that’s what I will miss most about her.  Nothing like going to Grandma’s house. 

From grandson Jarrod Smith:

When I think of Grandma one word came to my head that described her perfectly: “Selfless”.  I remember as a kid when dad was TDY on multiple occasions, that taking care of Joshua and myself was not an easy task for you.  However, when grandma would visit, I would immediately see that stress relieved from you. Grandma would, in a sense, “take over” some of your day to day duties, like helping around the house in Clarksville, Tennessee. She would help you morning till evening every day during her visits with tasks like gardening (which I knew she loved) and cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Selfishly to me - and not to be critical of Santa and other family member’s Christmas gifts - but Grandma ALWAYS gave the best gifts.  Some of them were gifts I didn’t even ask for, but somehow, Grandma and Bob knew they were gifts that I would absolutely love! I can remember these gifts to date - things like Boy Scout camping items, Transformers, and video games.  Grandma and Bob always knew just what I needed.

She also had this incredible ability to always encourage others. I never saw her upset. Grandma hit many bouts of adversity in her life, but through it all, always seemed to have a smile gracing her face. Even the last day I saw her 6 short weeks ago, I could see how happy she was in her role as a grandmother and as a caregiver to her two amazing daughters.  I truly believe she had made the decision that her time here was done, as she had lived a long, fulfilling life, and she was ready to greet the arms of heaven. Grandma was the type of person who would sacrifice everything she had to her name so that no family  members would ever feel any pain nor sorrow.  Selfless is how I will always remember her.  She was an amazing woman who undoubtedly made a lasting impression on all those she came in touch with. I love you so much Grandma, and thank you for everything.