Joanne (Acton) Kolb

Joanne L. Kolb, of Harwich, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on February 11, 2026, at the age of 89. Joanne will be buried beside her husband, Karl, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery.
Joanne was born in White Plains, New York, on June 12, 1936.  Joanne spent her childhood in White Plains and Rye, New York, with her dad Edward, mom Lillian, and baby brother Peter, whom she adored. Joanne attended The Semple School for Girls, in New York City, New York, where she learned about culture, the arts, and social polish.
    Joanne met her husband Karl on a blind date in 1956, and they married in 1958.  They settled in Wilton, Connecticut to raise their family: Karl Jr, Heidi, and Gretchen.  Joanne was a devoted wife and mother, passionate about the love for her family.  She loved the beach and Cape Cod, retiring to Chatham with Karl in 1980 and later to Harwich, Massachusetts.
Joanne loved reading, gardening, bird watching and nature.  She enjoyed all the wonderful things Cape Cod had to offer and the simple pleasures in life. In her later years, Joanne faced Alzheimer’s disease with remarkable grace. Amid the challenges, she revealed unexpected gifts that surprised and delighted her family, including a beautiful singing voice, a newfound joy in dancing, and a talent for poetry.
Joanne was predeceased in death by her husband, Karl F Kolb, and her brother Peter M. Acton.  She is survived by her children Heidi Breslin, Karl A. Kolb (Millie), Gretchen Cauble, (John) and her three grandchildren who she adored: Kelsey Breslin, Connor Breslin, and Caitlin Breslin, along with her great grandson Wesley. She is also survived by her sister in law Marie Acton, niece Regina O’Sullivan (Peter) nephew Peter Acton (Rebecca), and Anne Connelly (John).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Eldredge Public Library in Chatham at www.eldredgelibrary.org, or donations to the Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Center at  www.alzfamilysupport.org.
Joanne will have a graveside service on Fri. Feb. 27 at 1:45 PM at Massachusetts National Cemetery Bourne.
Notes of comfort may be made to Joanne’s family at www.chapmanfuneral.com