Wellfleet, MA - Joann D. Eldridge, 81, passed away in the early morning hours on January 26, 2021 of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. She leaves behind her life partner of 38 years, Ruth Ostenson, and her beloved Ragdoll kitty, Luna.
Joann was born on August 31, 1939 in Milford, to Joe and Ethel Eldridge. She spent her early years in Worcester, until her parents moved to the Sagamore/Buzzard's Bay area. Joann attended Bourne Grammar School and Bourne High School, graduating in 1957. She often traveled with her father up and down the East Coast waterways, as he was a sports fisherman. Because of his tutelage, Joann entered a state-wide fishing contest at age10 and won first prize, traveling to the Massachusetts State House to receive her award.
Joann graduated from Quinsigamond Community College in 1968 and from Worcester State College in 1970 with a B.A. in English. She had a love of literature and received her M.A. in English from Assumption College in 1972. She spent 30 years at Doherty High School in Worcester where she taught Advanced Placement English, coordinated drama shows, and was advisor to the Literary Magazine. Several of her former students have remained in touch and have commented on how influential she was in their lives. She also taught part-time at several of the colleges in the Worcester area specializing in Women in Literature and Writing Skills.
While at Doherty High School, Joann started the first computer lab in the English Department. Subsequently, she orchestrated the donation of over 400 computers to the school so that every department had its own computer lab. She was well ahead of her time as she became an expert in the integration of curriculum and technology in the early 1990s. When she retired, she was a technology consultant to the Worcester School Department where she created the position of Legacy Teacher. She was also a consultant to the Provincetown School System assisting many individual teachers and administrators in the integration of curriculum and technology. In addition, she had a small business, Damn Good Sites, creating websites for various organizations.
Joann had a great ability to reinvent herself as she was a very successful teacher of English, a technology consultant, a web "mistress", and a very creative and successful photographer and digital artist. She was a member and officer of Cape Cod Viewfinders where she honed her skills and achieved the level of Master Photographer. She was also a member of the Cape Cod Art Center's Digital Art Group. She entered many local, national, and international photography contests and won many awards.
She loved living on Cape Cod and Blackfish Creek, being close to the ocean and beautiful beaches, and enjoying spectacular sunsets. She also loved spending winters in Key West, Florida. Joann had a very quick sense of humor and always enjoyed many close relationships. She will be missed by the many, many friends she acquired over the years.
Donations in her name may be made to the Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter, 5 Sandy Hill Ln., Provincetown, MA 02657, WCAI (Cape and Islands NPR station), PO Box 82, Woods Hole, MA 02543, Helping our Women, 34 Conwell St, Provincetown, MA 02657 or Wellfleet Preservation Hall, 335 Main St, Wellfleet, MA 02667.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Joann's life will be held at a later date when Covid restrictions have lessened.
Guest Book Posts
My thoughts are with Ruth and the kitty. My heart is saddened. Fly free Joann.
Cheryl ,
Wellfleet,
Apr 03, 2021
Wellfleet,
Apr 03, 2021
*****
She was an amazing English teacher.I went to Doherty in Worcester in the late 70s. She was smart,funny,and I learned so much from her. She was there for you. Thank you Ms Eldridge
Roberta Enhus,
West Boylston, MA
Jan 31, 2021
West Boylston, MA
Jan 31, 2021
*****
Ms. Eldridge was my favorite teacher in high school. She inspired my creativity and taught me how to write well. Many of us considered her our friend and we talked and laughed together after class frequently. May her memory be eternal.
Judy Carpenter,
Moorestown, NJ
Jan 31, 2021
Moorestown, NJ
Jan 31, 2021
*****
My older cousin who sort of got me into trouble at times, but she was a lot of fun. Helped me get a summer job at the Cape at a clam shop - went home every night smelling like fried claims and burnt cooking oil :) I tried to find you a few years ago but never went that far down the Cape. RIP and say hi to your Mom and Dad for me and if you see my Mom and Dad and Tristian say hi to him also (he may not now remember you) Linda Peterson Bronzo
Linda Bronzo,
Auburn & Hollywood FL, MA
Jan 31, 2021
Auburn & Hollywood FL, MA
Jan 31, 2021
*****
A brilliant photographer, a great cook, my website creator.
A woman with a great sense of humour and a love for her cats
and her dear Ruthie. Our dear friend we will miss you.
A woman with a great sense of humour and a love for her cats
and her dear Ruthie. Our dear friend we will miss you.
Del Filardi,
Seminole, FL
Jan 30, 2021
Seminole, FL
Jan 30, 2021
*****
Such a wonderful and caring individual, I will never ever forget you
David Davidson ,
Worcester , MA
Jan 29, 2021
Worcester , MA
Jan 29, 2021
*****
A brilliant, sensitive, loving woman, Joann Eldridge. I am blessed to have known her.
Meri Walker,
Talent, OR US
Jan 29, 2021
Talent, OR US
Jan 29, 2021