MELROSE — Joanne M. Lambert, 64, of Melrose died peacefully on February 11 after a brave five year battle with cancer.
Ms. Lambert was born in Williamstown to Helen O’Connell Lambert and Clovis M. Lambert, both of whom are deceased as is her only sibling, a brother, Michael. A graduate of Boston Bouve College at Northeastern University, Ms. Lambert received a master’s degree in school administration from Salem State College. She spent her 35 year career as a teacher, coach and administrator in the Malden Public Schools, retiring in 2008 as assistant principal of the Salemwood School. She was a tireless volunteer, active in local civic and charitable organizations. She was a past president of the Junior Aid Society of Malden; a board member of Mystic Valley Elder Services; a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels and served on several committees for Hallmark Health. She was also active in Zonta International, where she was District One Lt. Governor, served as President of the Zonta Club of Malden and District I Area 4 Director. She had represented Malden at Zonta international conferences in Canada, Australia and The Netherlands as well as the U.S. She received many awards for coaching and for contributions to education and the community.
Ms. Lambert was recognized in 1995 with the “Distinguished Citizen Award,” in 2007 at the YWCA’s “Tribute to Women” and by Zonta in 2013 as a “Woman Making A Difference.” She was known for spreading joy in all she did. Always busy, she loved to shop, entertain and travel and was happiest surrounded by friends and family.
Ms. Lambert is survived by eight first cousins and their families on the East Coast and four in Canada as well as a close high school friend, two God-children and numerous friends. Her family is especially grateful to three loyal, loving friends for their continuous encouragement, support and help throughout her illness: Noreen Bartolo, Debby Cronin-Waelde and Paul Finn, all of Melrose.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 320 Haverhill Street Reading, MA 01867 or Zonta International. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Friday, March 27, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. Ms. Lambert’s funeral will take place at the Gately Funeral Home on Saturday, March 28 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. For additional information please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
