I'm looking at a picture of Joan Ellen Simeone in the 1960 Andover High School Yearbook, the year she graduated. She was a good person, friendly to everyone and quick with a smile that brightened a room. Everyone liked her. She was a Simeone from that old Andover family that has been a bulwark of the town. Her mother, Madeline, is also in the yearbook but as a teacher. She too was a friendly soul, who had a ubiquitous quality about her, as she was everywhere always wanting to help. There was nothing about either of them not to like, and the two had a fine relationship.
Joan Ellen (Simeone) Takesian passed away on Dec. 17. Her family was with her, including her husband, Daniel, to whom she'd been married 44 years. Her obituary said she'd had a long battle with cancer, but toward the end, I am told, her passing came relatively fast. I received a couple of stories about Joan Ellen a few days before she died, and I wanted to write a column about her while she was alive, but that proved impossible; however, the stories still exists, and I will tell them.
Joan was a wonderful musician and was selected by her senior class as one of the two class musicians. When you look at the credits next to her yearbook picture, they are filled with music-related information. The last few comments are, "loves music - listening and playing... full of laughs... hopes to teach music."
The stories come from Barry Low, who grew up in Andover and now lives in North Andover. Barry says, "I remember going to the Fireman's Ball as a young kid in the late 1950s. It was the first time I ever heard a big band live. The band was Frankie Kahn's. I remember Joan Ellen Simeone played the saxophone with the band for a number of two, and I was very impressed with how well she played.
"I was just starting music lessons at Metro Music in Lawrence and had already made my decision to become a professional musician. Hearing Joan play made me realize I had made the right choice. Joan went on to major in music education at Lowell State College, as I did. When she was a senior, and I a freshman, we did a show together - 'Oklahoma.' We often talked and laughed about our Andover Fireman's Ball experience."
Joan's playing the saxophone at the Fireman's Ball became a tradition that folks looked forward to.
The second story involves a long-running television show called "Community Auditions." I believe it used to be on midday Sundays. The show went off the air from 1987 to 2007, but has been revived.
The original show consisted of four or five presentations made by talented amateurs. Joan appeared on the show and beforehand it went around town that she would be on it, so lots of us watched. Joan was relaxed and did a terrific job. The winner was decided by a vote between shows. Joan's mother, Madeline, full of energy as usual and as ubiquitous as I described, was everywhere, passing out postcards to vote for Joan. If you were in the cafeteria, Madeline was there handing out postcards; if you were in the parking lot, Madeline was there as well. I don't know whether Joan won or not, but she did a great job and so did her mom.
Joan's dream to teach music was fulfilled, and she taught in Enfield, Conn., as well as Amesbury and Andover. She retired to devote time to her family and her children.
She was a talented person and her wonderful smile and shining personality will be remembered.
Bill Dalton writes a weekly column for the Andover Townsman. His e-mail address is billdalton@andovertownie.com.
