Joanne Rakers

Joanne F Rakers (Carpenter), age 69, passed away peacefully Thursday November 18 with her son and husband at her bedside in South Shore Hospital after a long battle with vascular disease and dementia.

Growing up mostly in South Boston and the D street projects she made and maintained lifelong friendship with many from there. She was very proud of her Southie background. She married her husband Douglas Rakers in 1981 and they settled in Weymouth. Living with her mother-in-law Betty Rakers she became the mother to the light of her life and pride and joy, her only child Gary Rakers.

Joanne was family first oriented, always ready to help when her family needed her. She spent long hours at the bedside of her brother Robert when he passed on. She was similarly at the bedside of her sister Betty and then spent time helping Betty's husband and children adjust after her death. She went to Alabama to her care for her bother-in-law after her sister Marcella was killed in a tragic car accident. When her sister Sarah became very ill, she went to Alabama and cared for her and her quadriplegic son Paul for over a year before moving them to Weymouth. She continued to care for Paul until he moved to Boston and was able to care for himself. Through all of this, she never lost her focus on her son and husband. She loved her husband Doug with all her heart and once confided that he was the only one she fully trusted.

Born to George and Mary (Coyne) Carpenter in Boston, who preceded her in death. Sister to Robert, Leonard, Peter, Betty, Marcella (Sis) and Sarah (Sally) who also preceded her in death and Monica who survives her. Gary with his wife Lindsey (Scheig) Rakers provided Joanne with two wonderful and cherished granddaughters Evelyn and Amelia who all reside in Weymouth. Joanne was also an aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to the visiting hours for Joanne on Friday, November 26, 2021 from 4-7pm in the C. C. Shepherd Funeral Home located at 134 Pleasant St. (Columbian Sq.) Weymouth, MA. A funeral service will take place immediately following the visiting hours at 7pm in the funeral home. Cremation will follow with a private graveside service at a later date.