Sister of king philip vi of france and the mother-in-law of edward iii
Joan of Valois, Countess of Hainaut (1294-1342) was a French politician and writer. Born in Longpont, France, Joan was the second eldest daughter of Charles, Count of Valois, and Margaret, Countess of Anjou and Maine.
She was best known for being a Countess consort of Hainaut, Holland, and Zeeland by marriage to William I, Count of Hainaut. Joan and William I together had several children, including William II, Count of Hainaut, Philippa of Hainault, Philip VI of France, and Margaret II, Countess of Hainaut, among others.
Joan passed away on March 7, 1342, in Maing, France.