Joan S. (Syner) Lareau

Joan S. (Syner) Lareau, 89, of Ludlow, MA, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born in Springfield, MA on August 24, 1934, the daughter of the late William and Pearl (Roberts) Syner. She graduated in 1952 from The High School of Commerce in Springfield, MA. Following High School she was employed by The Fire and Marine Insurance Company for five years. She worked for six years at The Horseman’s Yankee Pedlar Newspaper in Ludlow and then as an Emergency Room Receptionist at Baystate Medical Center where she remained for twenty years until retirement. Joan and her family were longtime members of First Church in Ludlow.

Joan married her husband Ray in 1956, and the two made their home in Ludlow, Massachusetts.  Together they loved exploring the countryside, hill towns, and coast of New England. Joan had a lifelong love of dance and the performing arts that began as a child in her father, Billy Syner’s, Dance Studio. There she would work alongside her brothers and uncles helping her father share his love of tap dance with the local community. She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor that remained even in her last days. This wit can still be enjoyed in the many letters she has sent to friends and family throughout the years.

In addition to her parents, Joan was also predeceased by her beloved husband Raymond Lareau in 2001 and her brother William Syner.  She is survived by her brother Thomas Syner. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by her three children, Sherri Kelcourse and her husband James, Stephen Lareau and his wife Deborah, and Robert Lareau and daughter-in-law Elisabeth Lareau. Joan is remembered by ten cherished grandchildren, Ian, Lindsay, Melissa, Justin, Jacob, Jason, Tina, Michael, Nancy, and Kevin; eleven great-grandchildren; and many treasured nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family and friends will gather and remember Joan on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA 01118. This will be followed by a Funeral Home Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to the Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation: by website https://www.rls.org/donate by phone (512) 366-9109.