Joanne "Gentle Breeze" Walley

Joanne “Gentle Breeze” (Fricker) Mercado Walley, 68, of Worcester, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at UMass Hospital.    She is survived by her loving husband of ten years, Henry A. “Hank” Walley.  Joanne is also survived by three sons, Miguel Mercado of Dudley, Efrain Mercado of Rutland, and Marco Mercado and his wife Maria of Rutland; a daughter, Maria Mercado and her husband Jose of Margate, Florida; a step-daughter, Jennifer Turcotte Walley of Worcester; seventeen grandchildren; several great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.  Joanne was born in Framingham, daughter of the late Albert and Caroline (Cacciola) Fricker.   Joanne worked for several area companies including L. Hardy Knife Company, Allegro, and had also cared for numerous children as a day care worker.  Before she married Hank, her future mother in law had already adopted her into the Nipmuc Tribe and she was given the name “Gentle Breeze”.  She enjoyed being a part of the Nipmuc Tribe and regularly attended Pow Wow’s with her new family and with her loving husband, Hank.    Memorial Calling Hours for Joanne will be on Friday, November 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  A graveside service will be on Saturday, November 25, at 10 a.m.in Hope Cemetery (those attending are asked to proceed directly to the cemetery).