PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Joan Marie (Evans) Giardina passed away January 8, 2019.  

She was born on January 1, 1939, to Elmer and Lillian Evans and recently celebrated her 80th birthday. Joan graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1956 and married the love of her life, Francis A. Giardina, in August 1958. They celebrated their 60th anniversary this past year.  

She is survived by her husband and three sons, Christopher (Susan) of South Carolina, Francis (Janet) of Texas and Michael (Dawn) of Pittsfield; her seven grandchildren, Anna, Alex, Nicholas, Cassie, Samantha, Cameron and Corryn; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  

Joan was predeceased by her sister, Marjorie; brother-in-law Richard Ano; and brother-in-law Joseph Giardina.

Joan was a devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she helped with their prayer line. She had a creative side, which showed in her ceramics, painting, and silk flower arrangements. One of her strongest characteristics was kindness, which allowed her to become a beloved wife, cherished mother and sister, loving grandmother, and charitable soul.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 14, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 196 Elm St, Pittsfield, MA 01201 with the Rev. Michael Bernier Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Joseph's Cemetery. 

Calling hours at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, Mass., will be Monday, January 14, 2019, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested for Soldier On in Pittsfield in care of the funeral home.