JoAnn “Jo” Spencer, 79, of Stafford Springs, CT died peacefully with her daughter by her side on Friday, July 10th at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, CT after a long illness.
JoAnn leaves her partner of 25 years, Glenn McFerrin with whom she lived; her daughter, Pamela (Harris) Baribeault and her partner, Andre Gilbert of Oxford; her brother, David Spencer and his wife, Gail of Cherry Valley; her grandson, Robert Baribeault; her six great-grandchildren who lovingly called her “Old Grandma”, Ariana, Ayden, Aubree Avery, Amos and Sophie JoAnn; many nieces and nephews; cousins and her faithful companion, her dog, Pepper. She was predeceased by her beloved granddaughter, Ashley Christine Baribeault in 2025; and her brother, Randolph Spencer.
Born and raised in Worcester, JoAnn was the daughter of the late Randolph Spencer, Sr. and Mary (Vigneault) Spencer. She was a graduate of South High School and remained proud of her Worcester roots throughout her life.
JoAnn dedicated 20 years of service to the Worcester Public Schools as a Teacher's Aide. She retired in 2006 from Flagg Street School, where she was known for her kindness, and genuine care for the students whose lives she touched.
Above all else, JoAnn's greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating countless memories that will be treasured forever. Whether gathered around the dinner table or enjoying time together, her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She loved the holidays and would always make sure they were special for the grandchildren even as her health was failing.
JoAnn found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved tending to her gardens. An exceptional cook, she was especially known for her delicious homemade golumpki, a family favorite that was requested for nearly every gathering and her tourtiere meat pies she baked for the holidays. Preparing meals for those she loved was one of the many ways she expressed her care and love.
In her younger years, she enjoyed family vacations to her family’s camp in Vermont and many family vacations to Misquamicut. She loved the ocean and enjoyed the beauty and peace it brought her. She loved the water and hosted many pool parties at her house over the years.
JoAnn will be remembered for her fierce personality, vivacious laugh, loving heart and unwavering devotion to her family, Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the many lives she touched through her compassion and selflessness.
Her visitation will be held Friday, July 17th from 9:30 until 10:30 AM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester followed by her funeral Mass at 11:00 AM in St. Peter’s Church, 931 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, 162 Webster Street, Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.