Joan Bourassa

Saco

"Someone else is running the show." Joan Alice Bourassa of Saco recently passed away after a long, difficult battle with Crohn's disease, skin cancer, and anxiety. She's gone to be with her Heavenly Father,  St. Anthony, and her angels. The daughter of Jules and Cecile Baillargeon, she was born on August 25, 1934. Joan went to St. Joseph's Catholic schools in Biddeford and graduated from high school in 1953,  Joan's life truly began when she met the love of her life, Norman Bourassa. Once married, they soon had two children, Marc Bourassa and Suzanne Bourassa Woodward.

Joan and Norman made a good team and purchased the White Lamb Motel in Old Orchard Beach in 1968, which they operated for 11 years. Their next business venture was running the Ocean Park Grocery Store and Studio Gift Shop until Norman's death in 1989.  Though devastated, Joan decided to volunteer at Southern Maine Medical Center, where she accumulated over 17,000 volunteer hours. She truly enjoyed this work, helping many people during difficult moments in their lives.

Joan is predeceased by her brothers, Roger Baillargeon and his wife, Olive, Guy Baillargeon and his wife, Pauline, and her sister, Michelle Baillargeon.

Joan is survived by her son Marc Bourassa (Suzanne Beaulieu Bourassa), grandchildren  Danielle Bourassa Collins (Paul Collins) and Philippe Bourassa (Abby Smith Bourassa). Joan's daughter, Suzanne Bourassa Woodward (Jay Woodward, deceased 2020), and their children, Brianna Woodward and Sam Woodward. Joan is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Malia, Julia, and Audrey Collins, and Henry and Olivia Bourassa.  She is also survived by her brothers, Charlie Baillargeon (his close friend, Gail Fairfield) and John Baillargeon.

Joan was a spiritual and kind woman devoted to helping others, either in the hospitality world or at MaineHealth Medical Center in Biddeford. She truly enjoyed her time with her volunteer comrades and spoke of them often.  She was known throughout the Biddeford/Saco area as "The Mint Lady," showing her love to everyone by leaving Peppermint Patties for servers, bank tellers, and anyone she met during her daily routine. She was also a woman of strong, devout faith.

Suzanne and Marc would like to thank her brother, John Baillargeon, for helping to care for Joan in so many ways over the years. Joan was fortunate to have another incredible caregiver, Mary Moskowitz. Mary took Joan out to her favorite restaurant, Lucky Loggers, after which they would go for rides throughout Old Orchard Beach and Saco to reminisce. We would like to thank the many wonderful, caring staff at The Wardwell in Saco. We are also grateful for the care she received from Hospice of Southern Maine in the final days of her life. "Between you and I and the Angels," Joan was a kind, caring, loving human -  well done!

A mass of Christian burial will take place at St Margaret's Church, Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's name to Hospice of Southern Maine at https://www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/donate