Joan L. (Bessette) Besso, 94, of New Bedford passed away Sunday August 3, 2025 at home after a brief illness.  She was the wife of the late Ronald F. Besso.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Nelson and Martha (Mellor) Bessette, she lived in New Bedford for most of her life.  She was a graduate of New Bedford High School.

Joan was formerly employed as an office worker for Universal Hat and Cap Company until her retirement.

She is survived by her daughter, Janice Hinchliffe and her husband William; her grandchildren, Kyle Hinchliffe and his wife Lindsey, and Kacie Martel and her husband Ryan; her great-grandchildren, Zoe and Cam Martel; and her stepsons, David Besso and his wife Paula and Stephen Besso.

She was the mother of the late Michael Tuite and sister of the late Nelson Bessette.

A private funeral service was held on Thursday morning at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.  Burial followed in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.