Joan Veilleux McClay, 90, Portland, Maine, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, of natural causes. The daughter of Louis and Grace Vigue of Waterville and Winslow, Joan was a force to be reckoned with. As part of an immigrant family, she only spoke French in her very early years, but once she hit public schools, she left the French language behind. An English major, she graduated from Waterville High and Thomas College. Joan adored art, was a skilled oil paint, and charcoal artist, and she attended MECA&D (Maine College of Art and Design) to work toward her Masters in Fine Arts in her 70s, and even learned Mandarin around the same time at Augusta Adult Education. She was always one to challenge herself with education and exploration. Her affinity for travel was part of her being, and she loved visiting Ireland, Hawaii, Mexico, and Florida. Short day jaunts were always fun for her as well, cruising roads along the Maine Coast, or looking for moose in Western Maine and New Hampshire. Joan was always up for an adventure. Beginning in her twenties, Joan became an excellent golfer, and she golfed into her late sixties at Augusta Country Club, even holding office as President of the Women's Maine State Golf Association along the way. She was beloved by her husband, Paul F. McClay, with whom she spent many years in business. She ran Bridget Office Services (a temporary employment agency and office support service). Joan also, proudly and effectively, coordinated the annual "Manchester Lion's Home Show" at the Augusta Civic Center for over 10 years. Joan is survived by her husband, Paul McClay Sr., son Wade McClay and his husband Victor Tan, son Paul McClay II, his wife Terry, daughter, Jane Hoyt and her husband Scot, grandson Paul III, his wife, Meredith, granddaughter Kathleen and her husband Brian Robison, two great grandkids Eleanor, Paul IV, nieces, nephews, and the family's dearest friend, Richard Pojasek. A Funeral Mass and celebration of life will take place June 30th, 2026, at 11am at Notre Dame Catholic Church 116 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine followed by a graveside committal at St. Francis Cemetery. A luncheon at Notre Dame Hall to follow services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joan's name to Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland in South Portland, Maine.