Joan Mary Hagopian

Joan Mary Hagopian, age 90, of Sarasota, FL, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026. Born in Lowell, MA on August 16, 1936, she lived and worked there beginning her career as a 1st grade teacher in the Tyngsborough school district. Eventually she retired from teaching and moved to Belmont, MA to raise her young family. She returned to work at Harvard University (an institution she was most proud of) as Secretary to the Chairman of the History Department before retiring to the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Joan loved the Florida sunshine, was an avid reader, cook (especially middle eastern cuisine), and family person. She made many friends over the years everywhere she went and was always active in the community. Her mantra in life was to always be kind and positive to everyone she encountered. She was an active member and volunteer at St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church in Sarasota for many years and was a fixture at Garden Lakes while residing there with her husband.

Joan is predeceased by her parents, Moses and Mary Abodeely and her brother, Ernest (Adrienne) Abodeely. She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 wonderful years, Greg, her two sons, Gregory (Gina) and Mark Hagopian, her four grandchildren, Grace, Lily, Gianna, and Luke Hagopian, her niece, Judy (Will) Abodeely Crocker, her nephew, Donald (Diane) Abodeely, her four-legged granddaughter Stella, and several other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private funeral services will be held followed by interment at the Sarasota National Cemetery. Joan and her family were longtime members of St. George’s Orthodox Church in Lowell, MA where a 40-day service to celebrate her life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George Orthodox Church, 44 Bowers Street, Lowell MA 01854.