Joan Anderson Booth died suddenly on April 26. She was 84.

She was a native of Williamstown and went on to attend Vassar College and Williams College. She graduated from Chatham University in Pittsburgh. For 59 years, she was married to her loving husband, James Edward Booth.

The benefits of her education were bestowed upon The National Jewish Research Center and Hospital in Denver, where she was a fundraiser for nearly 30 years. Her gift for conversation, curiosity and connection served her so well that she was coerced to come out of retirement and work for an extra couple of years.

Joan loved to read, visit museums and travel the world. She and Jim traveled to more places than most people dream about, including across the waters in the QE2, to Russia, on safari in Africa and all of Europe, South America, and much more. She also loved to entertain and her social gatherings were just as much fun as her travels.

In 1994, Joan and Jim settled in Alexandria, Va, after living in Massachusetts for 29 years. They loved to travel to Martha’s Vineyard, one of their favorite vacation spots. They bought a vacation home at Sengekontacket in 1982 and summered on the Island for 40 years.

In addition to her husband and lifelong companion, she is survived by her son Jeb Booth and his wife Lisa; grandchildren Cole and Rylee Booth, with whom she laughed and who she guided and adored; many extended family and friends in North Carolina, Colorado, Florida and Alabama; and her loving Tonkinese cat Rama.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The View at Alexandria House in Alexandria, Va. A memorial will be held on the Vineyard for family and friends at a later date.

Donations can be made to The American Heart Foundation with a note that the donation is directed to the Joan Booth Heart Association.