E. Joanne (Welch) Mente, 85, a resident of Concord since 1961, passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday morning, July 17, 2022. She was the wife of Lawrence J. Mente, who died in 2011. The daughter of the late Bartholomew and Mary (Slauenwhite) Welch, Joanne was born and raised in Waltham. After attending St. Mary's High School, she pursued a degree at Boston College, graduating with the class of 1958. Prior to raising seven children, Joanne taught fifth grade at the Lexington Street Elementary School in Waltham. Later, her knowledge of and interest in local history led her to a position as a historical guide at the Ralph Waldo Emerson House in Concord for twenty-five years. Joanne enjoyed being active in the community she loved. She was a dedicated volunteer for Concord Prison Outreach, Open Table, and FISH of Concord, and she was a longtime member of The Milldames and League of Women Voters. She also served on the Board of Registrars for eight years. Known for her quick wit and humor, she treasured many close friendships developed over 60 years in Concord. A devout Catholic and faithful parishioner at Holy Family Parish, over the years, Joanne served as a eucharistic minister, lector, and CCD teacher, an assistant with baptism preparation, and a member of the Parish Council. She was also an active member of several social outreach programs. Joanne's life will be forever remembered by her surviving children Andrew of Concord, Kate of Belmont, Philip and his wife Amy Helburn of Jamaica Plain, Suzanne of South Deerfield, Sarah and Julie, both of Brooklyn, NY; grandsons Nathan, Jeffrey, Daniel and Nicholas; her sister Ann Purcell of Auburndale, brother-in-law, Dick Leard of Waltham, sister-in-law Joan (Mente) Polsinelli; and three nieces and two nephews. She was also the mother of the late Peter Mente, sister of the late Sr. Margaret Welch and Jane Leard, and sister-in-law of the late David Purcell. She also leaves behind many dear friends from Waltham and Concord. Family and friends are invited to gather for visiting hours on Friday, July 22, from 4 to 7 pm in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. Joanne's funeral will take place on Saturday, July 23, at 9:30 am from Dee Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center at 10:30 am.  Please click here to view the church livestream of the Mass  . After the Mass, a reception with light refreshments will be held at Nosh, 97 Lowell Road. Burial will be private at a later date in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Concord. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joanne's memory to support many of the initiatives she volunteered for may be made to  Concord-Carlisle Community Chest  and  Concord Prison Outreach  or to  The Dr. Peter L. Mente Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Scholarship Fund  . Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.