Joanne Laura (Sawyer) DeRosa, 72 of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at High Pointe Hospice House surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Alfred James DeRosa, Jr. with whom she would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary this upcoming August.
She was born on October 6, 1953 in Lowell and was a daughter of the late Robert J Sawyer and the late Therese G. (Plourde) Sawyer. She was raised in Lowell, where she attended the area schools graduating from Lowell High School.
Joanne worked in the receiving department at the Marshalls Warehouse in Woburn for over 35 years before her retirement. She adored her pets, especially her rabbits and cats. Above all else, she cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Al DeRosa Jr. of Lowell, she is survived by three sons, Alfred J. DeRosa III and his wife, Carrie of Fruitland Park, FL, Adam J. DeRosa and his wife, Amy of Townsend, MA, and Eric J. DeRosa and his wife, Melissa of Pembroke, NH.
She also leaves her five cherished grandchildren, Jenna, Mia, Jonathan, Katie and Joshua DeRosa; her four siblings, Monique Moore and her husband, Donald of FL, Carol Hough and her husband, Larry of FL, Judith Surprenant and her husband, Gerry of FL, Laura Stewart and husband, James of Burlington, MA; a brother in law, David Lavallee; a sister in law Marilyn Lester; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was welcomed into heaven by her parents and siblings, the late Robert A. Sawyer and Denise (Sawyer) Lavallee.
On Friday, May 15, 2026 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 9-11 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 978-458-6816.
Her funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by procession to St. Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford.