Published in the August 26, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Joan M. Borgioli, 79, a resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, Aug. 18.
Joan was born in Boston on Dec. 15, 1936, one of three children of the late Cosmo C. and Eleanor F. (Tammaro) Borgioli. Raised in Revere, Joan graduated from Malden Hospital School of Nursing, received her BS degree from Boston College, and her master’s degree in Nursing from Boston University.
Joan was a dedicated and passionate pediatric nurse whose joy came from caring for others.
Joan’s career as a pediatric nurse spanned several decades. She was trained at Malden Hospital where she began her nursing career and eventually was named Head Nurse. She then became a traveling nurse, providing tender care to patients from New York to Florida. After returning to her roots in Boston, she became a nursing instructor at Boston Children’s Hospital for several years. She then returned to the field at North Shore Children’s Hospital where she worked as a nurse, head nurse and then became director of Nursing. Throughout her career, her caring nature and kindness helped thousands of young patients in and around Boston.
In her free time, Joan was well read, enjoyed current events, rooting for the Red Sox and loved animals. For many years, she enjoyed weekly book club meetings in Melrose, and going out to dinner and a movie with her friends. Charitable and kind, Joan was devoted to her Catholic faith and was very generous to causes she believed in. For a period of time, she became part-owner of a horse, not to ride, but simply to provide the horse with love, care and attention.
A devoted family woman, Joan was just as naturally caring and loving with her family as she was in her profession. She simply never said no if anyone needed anything. For multiple generations, she served as a reliable caretaker for her nieces, nephews and later for her great-nieces and great-nephews. As a source of great strength, Joan was relied upon for her constant and supportive presence. When not working or surrounded by her family, Joan was busy planning the next big family-get together for everyone. She was truly a blessing to her family or anyone that came into her life. Her loss leaves a void, but her memory will forever live in the hearts of her family.
Joan was the beloved sister of Ann Alba and her husband Ben of Revere, and Charles R. “Buddy” Borgioli and his wife Marie of Swampscott. She was the cherished aunt of Joan Hurton of Peabody, Robert Alba of Revere, Diane Calef of Revere, Carla Richman of Revere, Charles C. Borgioli of West Newbury, Michael T. Borgioli of Boca Raton, Fla., Stephen C. Borgioli of Amherst, N.H. and Karen M. Moberg of North Reading. Also survived by 11 loving great-nieces and great-nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Joan’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, Aug. 21 from 2-6 p.m., and again on Monday at 8 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose for her Funeral Mass celebrated at 9 a.m.
Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Stoneham.
For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
