Joanne M (Backman) Pantapas, 61, of Peabody, died Sunday January 17, 2021 after a long courageous battle with cancer. She fought her battle with determination, dignity and grace. Born in Peabody, she was the daughter of the late Karl and Anna (Lightizer) Backman. Throughout Joanne’s cancer battle, her son Chris had been with her every step of the way. He was her pride and joy. Joanne and Chris had a special relationship, the Dr’s at Dana Farber were in awe of their bond and would mention it constantly. Anyone who knew Joanne and Chris knew how special their relationship was. She would love to cook for Chris and one of their favorite things to do was go out for fried clams and lobster rolls!! Chris is stronger than she knew and has so much support behind him!! Joanne worked at Purity Supreme in the meat department and when they closed she decided to go back to school to complete her undergraduate degree. She moved on to complete her Masters Degree in Education at Lesley College, taking weekend and night classes while working full time and taking care of a teenage son. The Peabody Passos community has been blessed to have had Joanne “Mrs. P” the comparable director of Passos Avante Preschool for 23 plus years. She was an advisor, mentor friend and inspirational woman to all who have had the pleasure of knowing her. Her dedication to the program along with her compassion for the families, students and staff was immeasurable and went above and beyond her professional duties. She will be greatly missed by her Passos family and the whole Peabody community When not working, Joanne LOVED to travel, lay in the sun, and to shop. She looked forward to spending her summer vacations on Martha’s Vineyard. Joanne and her BFF traveled back and forth to Florida 4 or 5 times a year to visit their family. She was always ready to plan their next adventure, sometimes the planning was the funnest part. One of their most memorable trips was a trip to Bermuda to celebrate their friend’s 50th birthday, and so many other memories were made throughout the years!! Besides her loving and devoted son, Chris, she is survived by her brother Karl and his partner Joseph, her sisters-in-law, Lisa Pantapas and Linda Maihos, her nieces and nephew, Jessie, Leah, and AJ, and by many friends, admirers, co-workers, and students. A drive-up visitation will be held on Sunday from 12:00 until 2:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody. Family and friends are invited to attend. Everyone is asked to enter the parking lot via the entrance on Lynn Street and then a staff member will direct you accordingly. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joanne Pantapas Passos Avante Memorial Scholarship Fund, 16 Maple Street Ext, Peabody, MA 01960 ll