Joan (Stockwell) Halpern-Cutroni

Joan B. (Stockwell) Halpern-Cutroni, 84, of Leicester passed away three days prior to her 85th birthday on January 26, 2017 with family gathered at her bedside.  Joan was born in Worcester, a daughter of Ernest and Wanda (Janiszewski) Stockwell. She grew up in Worcester, and attended Worcester public schools.  Joan then married and began to raise her family.    With a flare to cook, Joan became a fixture with her husband Albert Halpern at the Broadway on Water Street, where she cared for customers with Albert for 22 years until he passed away in 1989. She then worked for a time at Norton Company in the cafeteria 5 more years, until establishing and operating her own restaurant; Victoria’s in Leicester for over 11 years until she retired.   Joan’s husband, Albert Halpern passed away in 1989, she later remarried Victor S. Cutroni and he passed away in 2001.  She is survived by her children; Charles Buduski and his wife Vivian, Judith  Keller and her husband Richard all of Worcester,  James Buduski of Shrewsbury , Joel Buduski and his wife Jean of Worcester,  Jill Lee of Northbridge, Jamie Buduski of Rhode Island,  Rose D’Andrea of West Boylston, and Henry Halpern of Worcester;  15 grandchildren;  15 Great-grandchildren and 2 Great-great -Grandchildren.  A great-granddaughter, Irelynn Nevaeh Buduski,  pre deceased her.     Joan attended St Jude Chapel in Rochdale.   She enjoyed dancing, travel, cooking and the many customers she had at the restaurants.   Gifted in art and the ability to draw, Joan would decorate her home by drawing holiday pictures on her front widows for the neighborhood and her children to enjoy.   Joan also, raised and cared for horses.  Along with her daughters, Joan competed and participated in Horse competitions and shows.  She was dedicated to her family especially her children and grandchildren and was especially happiest with them around her.   A period of calling hours will be held Friday, February 3rd from 11 am to 12 noon in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   Her Service will follow at noon.  Entombment will be in St John Mausoleum.