Joan (Doyle) Roth, 99, of Bristol, RI, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026. She was the wife of the late G. Andrew Roth.

Born in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of the late Francis J. and Joanna E. (Sullivan) Doyle.

Joan is survived by her daughters Joanna Roth, of Bristol, and Kathryn Roth of Providence.

In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her niece and goddaughter Jane McSoley of Bristol, niece Anne Condon of Jamestown, niece Jennifer Robinson of Somerset, and goddaughter Rita Daniels of Bristol. Joan also leaves many devoted nieces and nephews across the country.

Joan was preceded in death by her sisters, Frances Doyle McSoley, and Constance Doyle Talbot.

Joan grew up in Bristol and Warren in a family of musicians and educators. She was a life long parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Bristol. Joan was a 1944 graduate of Colt Memorial High School in Bristol. She went on to receive an undergraduate degree in Education in 1948, and a Master of Education with a Major in Music from Rhode Island College in 1953.

After beginning her teaching career in the Bristol school system she became the music teacher at the Josephine F. Wilbur School in Little Compton. In Little Compton she taught music to all grades for 26 years. Though Joan retired in 1985, her love of teaching and music led her back to positions at Our Lady of Fatima High School and Roger Williams University. She was a dedicated educator for over 50 years.

In addition to teaching, singing was always a central part of Joan's life. Her early vocal study led to membership and an assisting conductor role with the internationally renowned Peloquin Choral, founded by the liturgical composer and conductor C. Alexander Peloquin. With the Peloguin Chorale she toured the US and Europe, singing at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

This experience, together with Joan's love of teaching, made community choral music a particular passion, as she felt it brought music making to everyone regardless of their musical training. Throughout her career she formed several choirs, beginning with the St Mary's Church Choir in 1972 and culminating in the Bristol County Chorus. In 1982 Joan offered the first Many Moods of Christmas concert which became an enduring tradition, filling St Mary's church and ushering in Bristol's Christmas season for over 30 years. She conducted her final Many Moods concert at the age of 90. Joan always believed that everyone could learn great music and loved to see her students and choir members moved and inspired by what they could achieve.

In 1986, Joan was given what she felt to be Bristol's highest honor, Chief Marshal of Bristol's Fourth of July Celebration. At that time, she was the second woman Chief Marshal in the town's 200 year tradition, the first being her aunt, M. Theresa Donovan in 1957.

Joan was a founding member of the Friends of Linden Place, formed in 1989 to purchase and preserve the historic mansion. Through the years Joan served as a tour guide, unofficial historian, and president and member of the board of directors. She especially enjoyed her roles as docent and guide on Bristol bus tours which allowed her to share stories drawn from her vast knowledge of Bristol's history. She was also a member of the Bristol Rotary for many years, and delighted in playing piano and rousing the group to sing at their weekly meetings.

Joan loved the water, sailing with her husband and daughters throughout their lives. She loved to sit by the bay at Colt Park, never tiring of the wind, the water and the passers by.

Joan's deep love of Bristol and passion for music led her to work tirelessly to bring music to the community and to preserve and share Bristol's history. For those who knew her, her love of people and the joy and enthusiasm which she brought to every experience will always be remembered.

The family wishes to expresses our deep gratitude to all who supported us through Joan's last months, especially Sandi Siembab and the dedicated and compassionate staff of Hope Hospice and Bayada Home Health Care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be made to Hope Hospice and Community Music Works.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI.

Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 9:30 am from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Mary Church, Wood Street, Bristol, RI.

Burial will be private in St. Mary's Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol, RI.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI 02809. (401) 253-7110