Joanne Melia, 74, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024 surrounded by her loving family which she adored.

She was the daughter of the late Martin and Eleanor (Busa) Hoyt.

She is survived by her husband Tom of 54 years, two daughters Justice Jennifer Melia and her husband Robert Rice, software engineer and Jane Labrie, Special Education teacher and her husband Northbridge Police Chief Timothy Labrie all of Northbridge, MA; six beautiful grandchildren Abby, Kate, Jill, Tommy, Michael and Timmy; two sisters Barbara and her husband Bill Leonard of Northbridge, MA and Jean and her husband Christopher Kelly of St. Petersburg, FL. brother in law Fred Buma of Northbridge, MA and many nieces and nephews. Joanne was predeceased by her sister Theresa "Terry" Buma in 2022.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Joanne’s family moved to Whitinsville in 1956 where she attended local schools, graduating in 1968 from Northbridge High School and later attending Quinsigamond Community College.

Once her daughters were in school Joanne worked at the Uxbridge District Court Probation Dept.; Folio Corporation, Worcester and as secretary for several Northbridge School Superintendents.

The highlight of Joanne’s life was watching her two loving daughters Jen and Jane grow up, be successful and bring six beautiful and loving grandchildren into her life. She adored them all and was always at their beckoned call. Until they could drive, she was there each day to pick them up from school. No matter where the sports games were being played, she and her husband would be there to proudly cheer them on.

Joanne enjoyed the outdoors. Whether it be walking, running, ice skating or cross-country skiing. She regularly brought her grandchildren to one of her favorite spots, Purgatory Chasm. Joanne enjoyed reading and watching her favorite shows but what she cherished was time with her family.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Dana Farber, Boston and Milford, Milford Regional Hospital and Salmon Hospice. Thank you for the special care in the last twelve months.

Calling Hours are Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Carr Funeral Home 24 Hill St. Whitinsville, MA, from 4-7 PM.  Joanne's Funeral Mass at Saint Patrick's Church, 1 Cross St. Whitinsville, MA will be at 11AM on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. At the family's request if you are attending Mass to please go directly to Church. Burial will follow in Saint Patrick's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Glioblastoma Foundation P.O. Box 62066 Durham, NC 27715. Carrfuneralhome.com