Joan E. (LaBelle) Perakis, age 83 of Salem, MA died Friday, July 31, 2015 peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving children. She was born in Salem on July 20, 1932, the daughter of John and Nettie (Kimball) LaBelle and raised in Peabody. She was one of 11 children. She was graduated from Peabody High School in 1951 and in 1953 was married to James Perakis.
Joan and her husband moved to Salem in 1962 where they raised their six children. She was a strong, independent woman who was progressive for her times. Her commitment to family was evident, especially during her illness when friends of her children would come to visit and remark how her house was always a second home to them even until this day.
Later in life, Joan worked as a banking clerk, retiring in the late 1990's. She enjoyed rug hooking, yoga, Tai Chi, reading, and reading her Sunday newspaper at Winter Island in Salem. A communicant of St. James Church in Salem, she was part of the team who served meals to the Lifebridge Shelter in Salem.
Joan is survived by her six loving children and their spouses. George and Suzanne Perakis, Ellen and David Grosiak, Mary and William Ruth, John Perakis, Matthew and Mary Perakis and Andrea and Peter O'Donnell. Her grandchildren, Denton and Katherine Perakis; David, Christopher and James Grosiak; Netta and Holli Ruth; Nicole Perakis; Samuel, James and Emma Perakis; and George and Sophia O'Donnell. She is also survived by her brothers Jean, Leo (Elaine) and James LaBelle; and her sisters Ada Bonsaint, Marion (John) Kohut, Rita (Harold) Tuttle, and Dorothy (John) Ruest. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Erna LaBelle and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband James, Joan was predeceased by her granddaughter Lia Marie, her sisters Mary and June and her brother Paul.
At her request, arrangements are private. A memorial mass will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul.
May her memory be eternal.