Y Member Joan Mitchell Shares Joy Every Day
YMCA member Joan Mitchell has a song as her personal anthem: “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang. This song reflects her journey and values. When you meet her, you will not only see the vitality of Joan in her presence, but Celebrate Life is tattooed on her lower arm.
Joan moved in 2017 to the Merrimack Valley from Delaware when her grandson was entering kindergarten to help her daughter’s family, and after an extended return to Delaware, moved back to Massachusetts this past year.
“I’ve been involved with the YMCA for my adult life. My kids learned to swim at the Y in Delaware and my daughter Tereska is now 55 years old,” she said.
Today, you will find Joan at the Y at least five times a week. She’s a constant presence the Y’s Active Living Center and a participant in LiveSTRONG, a Y program that provides support, health and wellness, and community for cancer survivors and caregivers.
“Joan had been attending my classes regularly, and one day asked if I could teach her how to swim,” said Y Trainer and Instructor Lynne Khater. “Fast forward, after 4 pool sessions, Joan and fellow Y member Marilyn were swimming, laughing and stroking in the deep water section of the pool! In the water, Joan brought out the best in me, my patience, eagerness to teach them how to save their lives by floating on their backs, supporting her head and keeping a hand on her until she felt free to “let go” of me.”
Joan conquered her fear of the water and continues to work with Lynne to improve her strength, balance and mobility to keep up with her active lifestyle.
A retiree from the corporate world, when you meet Joan, you would believe she’s led a charmed life. She enjoyed a fulfilling career, has a loving family, and she’s beautiful. However, she has faced much hardship. She had her first child at age 16. She endured physical abuse from her first husband. Her youngest daughter passed away from melanoma at age 44 after a two-month battle with this disease. And Joan is a cancer survivor.
As a loving tribute to her mother, Joan’s daughter, Tereska E. James, of North Andover, started a series of 70 social media posts in 2022 leading up to Joan’s 70th birthday. These posts recounted Joan’s life from a young girl into adulthood. Joan reveled in the daily posts.
“Since this was a milestone birthday for my mom and I knew she didn’t want a huge party, I thought this would be a good way to celebrate her, her life’s motto and to share with friends and family,” Tereska said.
On the day of Joan’s 70th birthday, while on a family cruise to Alaska in August of 2022, she received the most exciting gift of her life: a book written by her daughter. It is the story of Joan’s life, a powerful memoir recounting Joan’s journey from a young girl into adulthood. Joan’s story is one of bravery, conviction, and positivity. “Celebrating Life is My Religion” is available on Amazon. It’s dedicated to her daughter Tanya and for her grandsons, Grayson and De’Andre “who have had a front row seat to celebrating their G-Mama since they were born.”
If you see Joan on her daily walks in North Andover, you will see a woman who puts health first, nourishes her soul, and has a focus on positivity. You will also know that she’s friendly and eager to make a positive difference in this world.
The Y is a big part of Joan’s life.
“After my morning walk, I head to the Y. I’m living my best life. Tomorrow is not promised. I do tell people about the value of the Y. It’s a wonderful place to go. People are very friendly and welcoming. And the teachers really want to help you achieve your goals. They are very passionate about what they do and passionate about seeing you grow and being your best self,” she said. “They take their time with you. I do encourage people to give the Y a try. The Y is for everyone.”
