Joan M. Carelli

Joan M. (Burns) Carelli, 76 of Shrewsbury, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2011 unexpectedly at home. Joan is survived by her loving husband of fifty-four years, James J. Carelli; two sons, William E. Carelli of South Orleans and James M. Carelli and his wife Gwendolyn of Shrewsbury; a daughter, Cheryl Ann Carelli of Arlington, TX; two grandsons, Jonathan and Justin Carelli; many nieces and nephews. Joan was born in Gardner, the daughter of William E. and Cora A. (Roberge) Burns. She graduated from Gardner High School. She also graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing receiving her degree as a Registered Nurse. She worked for the American Red Cross as a R.N. for twenty-two years before retiring in 1993. Joan was a member of St. Anne's Church in Shrewsbury where she would volunteer at their Free Medical Clinic and also at church functions. She was an avid reader and adored her grandsons. The Carelli family would like to thank Dr. Steven Davis of St. Vincent Hospital for the outstanding care and friendship given to her as well as UMASS Memorial Hospice. Services for Joan will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2011 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. A period of calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 19th from 5-8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: St. Anne's Church Human Services and Scholarship Fund, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA. 01545 or to St. Jude's Children's Fund, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To share your thoughts and memories of Joan, please visit her personal guestbook at: mercadantefuneral.com