Joan Harrell

In Loving Memory of Joan Harrell

It is with profound sadness and overflowing love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, Gigi, and friend, Joan Harrell, on August 22, 2025. Joan was born on November 14, 1946, and in her 78 years she left an indelible mark on every heart she touched.

To know Joan was to love her and everyone did. The tremendous outpouring of love from family, friends, and colleagues in recent days is a testament to the joy she brought into the lives of so many. The countless messages and stories shared now and throughout the years make it nearly impossible to put into words what an incredible soul she was. Joan had a loving heart and a radiant spirit and an extraordinary gift that made everyone feel like family.

For 47 years, Joan was a proud and devoted member of the Global Response family. Where she worked was not just a job, it was a second home and a community she cherished deeply. Joan was more than a boss or co-worker; she was a mentor, a cheerleader, and a source of encouragement to everyone she worked alongside. She had a way of lifting spirits, celebrating others’ successes, and reminding people of their worth, whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or one of her famous handwritten notes. The impact she made within those walls was immeasurable, and her presence there will be missed as much as it will be remembered.

Joan will be remembered most for her cards. For every holiday, birthday, milestone, or moment worth celebrating, Joan made sure no one was forgotten. But these were not just cards; they were love letters filled with handwritten notes, pages of encouragement, and personal touches that made each recipient feel truly special. To receive a card from Joan was to receive love in an envelope, and her family and friends will miss them dearly.

Holidays were always extra special when Joan was around. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by family, laughter, and food, her favorite thing of all. Her love of food was apparent; she would get so excited about special dinners, and it was truly adorable to watch her squeal with delight while enjoying a meal. And let’s not forget about her coffee Joan’s daily treat and simple joy. We like to think heaven welcomed her with the biggest, warmest cup of Dunkin. Gatherings weren’t just meals; they were memories, and Joan’s presence made every celebration brighter.

Joan is survived by her children: Robert Comito and his wife Renee, Sharon Comito, and Mark Harrell and his wife Erica. She was the proud grandmother of Justin Delaney and his wife Danielle, Sara Brook and her husband Donny, Carly Comito and Kenneth Smith, Skyler Harrell, Allison Hall and her husband Justin, Kendal Harrell and Ryan Murphy. She was a loving Gigi to Jadyn Lemus, Trey Lemus, Jameson Brook, Cashton Brook, Bella Delaney, Lincoln Delaney, Leighton Delaney, Callie Kline, and Erin Hall. Joan is also survived by her mother-in-law, Myrtle Fine; her daughter-in-law, Barbara Comito; and her loyal sidekick, Gretchen Goddard, who stood by her with love and devotion through all of life’s chapters.

Of all the love Joan gave in her lifetime, none was deeper than the love she had for her grandson, Skyler. With the loss of his parents, Ryan and Neva, far too soon. Joan's role in Skyler’s life became far greater than “grandmother” she became his everything, his safe place, his “Mom.” That’s what Skyler called her, and that is who she truly was to him. Their bond was one of a kind, woven from laughter, resilience, and an endless well of love. Joan often beamed with pride, teasing with the words, “Not my Skyler,” but everyone knew he was her whole world. To Joan, Skyler was not just a blessing; he was her greatest gift, the heartbeat of her life, and the joy that made every day worth living.

She now rejoins her beloved son, Ryan Harrell, and his wife, Neva; her precious granddaughter, Taylor Comito; the love of her life, her husband, Mark Harrell; as well as Robert and Sharon’s father, Samuel Comito. The reunion in heaven is comforting, and if you close your eyes, you can almost hear the laughter.

Joan was more than special; she was a light. She carried love in her hands, joy in her smile, and kindness in her every word. She made each person feel like the most important one in the room, as if her world revolved around you in that moment. Her handwritten cards were never just paper and ink; they were treasures of the heart, reminders that you mattered. Joan’s gift was simple yet profound: she made people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her legacy is not measured in years, but in the countless hearts forever changed by her.

A celebration of Joan’s life will soon be held where we will honor her remarkable life and the joy she brought into this world.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13

This verse so beautifully sums up Joan’s life. She lived with faith, gave hope to everyone around her, and above all, she poured out love in everything she did. The greatest of these was truly her love and that is the gift she leaves behind for all of us.