Joan M. (Kent) Powilatis, 75, of Wareham, formerly of Holbrook, died Tuesday, March 12, 2019, unexpectedly while vacationing in Anguilla. She was the loving wife of Robert Powilatis.

Born in Dorchester, the daughter of the late William and Bertha (Eaton) Kent. She is survived by her husband, her son, David Powilatis of Westport, CT, and her grandchildren, Benjamin and Camille, and their mother Joyce, and Dominic and Leo, and their mother Jill. She was predeceased by her son, Brian Powilatis, and her sister, Marilyn Fairbairn.

Earlier in her life, Joan worked as a quality control associate at Liberty Mutual in Boston before devoting herself to raising her family. She returned to work as an accounts receivable manager for nursing homes in Rockland and Brockton.

When not passionately following the exploits and accomplishments of her grandchildren, as she did with her sons, there was nothing Joan enjoyed more than vacationing with Bob in Anguilla. They have visited Anguilla for the last twenty-seven years, enjoying walks on the beach, the sun, good food and great friends. On the island, she lent her time to charitable endeavors including fundraising for the Friends of the Hospital and for the youth of St. Gerard’s Church.

She was a communicant of St. Patrick’s in Wareham, and previously of St. Joseph’s in Holbrook. Throughout her life Joan volunteered for a number of religious, civic and charitable organizations, including as President of the Josepheens at St. Joseph's, as a Pro-Life advocate and supporter of the March for Life and the Cape Cod Bus for Life, the Wareham Friends of Veterans for which she was key to establishing the Hero’s Circle Monument at the National Cemetery in Bourne, as Trustee and Officer for the Catholic of Foresters, and as Treasurer of the Friends of the Wareham Library, raising funds for its programs, including her favorite program to improve youth literacy.

Her funeral will be from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., (Rt. 28), Wareham on Wed., Mar. 27, 2019 at 9 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, Onset Ave., Onset at 10 AM. Visiting hours will be Tuesday from 4 – 7 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory are requested to the Brian R. Powilatis Memorial Scholarship Fund at Boston College High School c/o Office for Institutional Advancement, 150 Morrissey Blvd, Dorchester, MA 02125. For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com