In the heart of Chelmsford, a beloved member of the community, Joan Marie (McHugh) Martin, left a lasting legacy of love, family, and service. Born on January 6, 1958, in Lowell, she was the daughter of the late Peter J. and Veronica I. (Greeley) McHugh. Joan passed away peacefully on January 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Lowell General Hospital. She was the devoted wife of John L. Martin, and together they shared 46 years of marriage. Joan’s journey in Chelmsford began with her education in the local school system, culminating in her graduation from Chelmsford High School in 1976. Driven by her passion for accounting, she furthered her education at the University of Lowell, graduating in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in the field.
Her career in accounting commenced with Sprague, Cain, and Cullen, but her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish PJ Bookkeeping company, which flourished for over 40 years. Beyond her professional achievements, Joan was a beacon of love and support for her family and friends. She played an integral role in the lives of her children and grandchildren, cherishing the bonds that held them together. Her involvement in the Grace Bible Church in Dracut reflected her deep spiritual connection and commitment to her faith.
Joan’s zest for life extended beyond her professional and family roles. An avid skier, bike rider, and gardener, she embraced the outdoors with enthusiasm. In her youth, Joan displayed her athletic prowess by playing softball for the Chelmsford Town league and later coaching her daughter’s town league softball team.
A talented musician, Joan inherited her family’s musical heritage, playing the trumpet from a young age with various groups, including the Sacred Heart Band of Lowell and the Chelmsford School system. She also showcased her musical talents at the Town of Chelmsford Tree Lighting festivities for many years.
Joan’s surviving family includes her husband, John, and their children, Kristen (Martin) Morales, and her husband Roderick, and Gregory Martin and his wife, Emily (Desharnais) Martin. She leaves behind cherished grandchildren – Sofia and Camila Morales, and Riley, Haley, and Jacob Martin. Joan is also survived by her siblings: Peter McHugh and his wife Linda (Jones) McHugh, Dennis McHugh and his wife Susan (Kupor) McHugh, Veronica (McHugh) Littlefield, Patricia (McHugh) Hamilton, and her husband Bill.
Kathleen McHugh, and her husband Ken Roessler, Judith (McHugh) McGann, and her husband Joseph, Robert McHugh, and his wife Janice (Castro) McHugh, and Ellen (McHugh) DiPasquale, and her husband Thomas. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Kevin McHugh.
Joan’s impact on Chelmsford was not only seen in her professional success but also in the countless lives she touched through her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to community and family. The community mourns the loss of a remarkable woman, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
