“Lady” Joanne Carol (Lanier)Wilson, 83, of Sutton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.
Born on December 16, 1942, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Joanne was the only child of Frederick and Emilia (Pacini) Lanier. She grew up in Worcester and attended St. Peter-Marian High School and Becker College, later enjoying a career spanning more than 45 years as a medical office manager. She was a dedicated volunteer at St. Mark’s Church and proudly called Sutton home for the past 56 years.
Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose greatest joy came from caring for those she loved. Affectionately known as “Lady,” she was always on the move, rarely sitting still for more than a moment. Whether tending to her beautiful gardens, enjoying a good book, spending summers on Cape Cod, or escaping to Melbourne Beach, Florida during the winter months; Joanne embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude.
Her home was the heart of countless family gatherings and celebrations. Joanne was the quintessential hostess, making everyone who crossed her threshold feel welcome, well-fed and comfortable. Playful, spirited, and endlessly generous, she had a remarkable gift for bringing people together and making every occasion special.
In the last decade of her life, Joanne found great purpose in caring for others. She lovingly looked after friends by opening her home for gatherings, organizing craft days, driving them to lunches and appointments, and making thoughtful phone calls simply to let them know they were loved. Her natural ability to care for others and brighten their days was one of her greatest gifts.
Predeceased by her 1st husband of 33 years, David M. Huban, Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, John Wilson; her daughters, Colleen and her husband, Jack Phelps, of Dedham, and Kathleen Jill and her husband, Anthony Rizzotti, of Sudbury; and her stepdaughter, Hilary Marsi of Dudley.
She was the cherished and fun-loving grandmother of Caroline and Michael Phelps; Peter and Luke Rizzotti; and Anthony and Jessica Marsi. Fiercely devoted to her grandchildren, Joanne was often the one leading the mischief during their younger years. As they grew into adulthood, she took immense pride in each of their accomplishments, celebrating their graduations, careers, and the lives they were building.
Joanne will be remembered for her warm smile, infectious laugh, playful spirit, boundless generosity, and the genuine kindness she extended to everyone she met. She had a unique way of making people feel seen, cared for, and at home. Her love, compassion, and joyful presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all whose lives she touched.
Calling hours will be at O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6th. Followed by Mass in St, Mark’s Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m., 356 Boston Road, Sutton MA. Burial will follow in Waldron Cemetery, 175 Ramshorn Road, Dudley MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joanne’s memory may be made to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation through the Angelman Syndrome Foundation website.