Joanne Belliveau Oechler, of Providence, RI, died peacefully in her home after a brief illness on March 21, 2024 with her family by her side.

She is survived by her husband of thirty-seven years, Hugh M. Oechler, her children James M. Kickham and his wife Leslie(Allen) of Westport, CT, Sarah B. Kickham and her partner Peter Migliorini of New York, NY, Joshua B. Kickham and his wife Caitlin(Fahey) of Cumberland, RI, her grandchildren Sawyer, Robert(RJ), Reilly, and Ciera Kickham, her sister Mary B. Strauss, sister in-law Arlene Belliveau, both of Scituate, MA, and her grand-dogs Sophie, Bella, Wallace, and Bear. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond L. and Ruth V. (Bailey) Belliveau, and her brothers Raymond L. Belliveau, Jr., and Gerard Belliveau.  She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joanne was born in Boston on October 30,1942 and was raised and subsequently brought up her own family in Milton, MA before moving to Cambridge, MA later in life and eventually Providence RI. After graduating from Fontbonne Academy, and Newton College of the Sacred Heart (now consolidated with Boston College) she embarked on her varied career starting as a financial analyst at PaineWebber and then working for organizations that she had a strong interest and passion for, which included the China Trade Museum, the Conservation Law Foundation, New England Historic Genealogical Society, and Harvard University from where she retired. After retirement she became involved as a member or through volunteer work in organizations that allowed her to continue her zest for life and learning including both the Boston, and Providence Athenaeum, Tower Hill Botanical Garden, and the Hamilton House.

One of Joanne's greatest pleasures in life was her knitting and needlepoint. Her house and her children's houses are filled with her craftsmanship including cable knit sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens, and beautiful, intricate Christmas stockings for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed museums, lectures, garden tours, spirited discussions, summers in Westport, MA, and the pinnacle of joy was spoiling her grandchildren, who adoringly called her Gan-Gan. When asked where the moniker came from, she would always respond, "if it was good enough for the Queen Mother, then it is good enough for me."

A celebration of her life for her family and friends will be held at the Chapel of Hope at Swan Point Cemetery on Saturday, May 11,2024 at 11am with a luncheon to follow. 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joanne's memory to the Sandy Hook Promise .