Joan (Lapati) Ladefian

Joan (Lapati) Ladefian, of Warwick, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Brentwood Nursing Home. She lived a long, full, and beautiful life, one defined by unwavering devotion to her family, enduring friendships, quiet generosity, and countless cherished memories. Born in Providence, she was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony and Angela (Rao) Lapati.

Joan’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. She was the deeply loved and devoted mother of Brenda Dowlatshahi of East Greenwich and Steven Parsons and his wife, Ingrid, of Warwick. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Dr. Justin Dowlatshahi and his partner, Dr. Maria Carla Dominguez, of Weston, Florida; Alexander Dowlatshahi and his wife, Natalia, of Lincoln; and Stephanie Parsons of East Providence. Nothing brought Joan greater happiness than watching her family grow, and she treasured every moment with her beloved grandchildren, Justin, Alex, and Stephanie whose laughter filled her heart with joy.

She is also survived by her dear brother, Andrew Lapati of Connecticut, and was predeceased by her brother Anthony Lapati and her sister Marjorie Brady. Joan was a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews and shared close bonds with numerous cousins and lifelong friends. She found happiness in the simple pleasures of life—family reunions, holiday celebrations, golf tournaments, and vacations with those she loved most. Among her favorite traditions were the treasured summers spent with her family at her brother Andrew and sister-in-law Rita’s home on Frye Island, Maine, where days by the water created memories that will be forever held close.

Joan embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude. She loved the ocean and the beach, traveling to new places, reading a good book, preparing meals for those she loved, crocheting gifts with care, and expressing her creativity through oil painting. For more than 35 years, she enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of her women’s golf league, where many lasting friendships were formed.

Professionally, Joan dedicated many years of service as a cartographer with the United States Department of Defense. Before retiring in 1995, she spent the final five years of her career working at the Department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., where her skill, precision, and dedication were greatly valued.

Retirement simply gave Joan more time to devote herself to those she loved most. She became an irreplaceable part of her children’s and grandchildren’s daily lives, helping raise her grandchildren with endless patience, kindness, and unconditional love. At the Dowlatshahi home, she was a constant presence, offering comfort, laughter, and a warm embrace. So beloved was she that not only her own grandchildren, but many of their friends affectionately came to know her simply as “Nana.” She also shared an especially close bond with her granddaughter Stephanie, creating countless treasured memories together.

Joan will be remembered for her gentle heart, quiet strength, generous spirit, and boundless love for her family. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcomed, cared for, and unconditionally loved. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the values she instilled, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness. Her love will continue to guide and comfort those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. from the Nardolillo Funeral Home, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 1525 Cranston Street. Burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Nardolillo Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.