On January 20, 2024, the Friends of Mashpee National Wildife Refuge lost devoted director, member and active volunteer Joan W. Barkin. She was a passionate gardener, adamant wildlife advocate, and avid historian.
Born in Albany, NY, Joan grew up in Binghamton, Panama, and Burlington VT. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College and an MD from Columbia College of Physician and Surgeons where she met her husband Neil. Joan and Neil started their family while living in Gloucester and Wellesley, MA and in 1979, they moved to Potomac Maryland, where Joan ran a thriving pediatrics practice for over 35 years. Consistently ranked by Washingtonian Magazine as a Top Doctor, Joan was beloved by the families she cared for. While living in Maryland for several decades, Mashpee held a special place in Joan’s heart, and the family visited often.
In 2019, Joan and Neil retired and moved back to New England, settling on the Cape. Soon after, Joan discovered the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. Her home was surrounded by the Refuge’s beauty and she was eager to play a role in its conservation. Joan and Neil became Membership Chairs, and in her role Joan sent out hundreds of handwritten notes, recognizing each new member and thanking those who thoughtfully donated.
Joan contributed to the Mashpee community in other ways as well. She was a popular driver of the elderly through the Mashpee Senior Center, where she befriended numerous riders whom she shuttled to doctor and hospital visits. She also continued her passion for gardening, cultivating a beautiful garden with basil, mint, chives, wild strawberries, and more. She was most proud that the members of our community availed themselves to these herbs to embellish their own meal preparation.
Joan suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passed peacefully at the Massachusetts General Hospital. We were saddened to hear of her passing. Joan will be sorely missed in the Friends community. A Celebration of Life will be held on Cape Cod in the Spring.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Neil and his family.
Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge
Board of Directors:
Glenn Davis, President
MaryKay Fox, Treasurer
Lucinda Keith, Clerk
Thomas Fudala, Historian
Neil Barkin
Nancy Church
Katelyn Cadoret