JoAnn L Verdolino

JoAnn Verdolino, 68, of Worcester, passed away peacefully with family and friends gathered at her side after a valiant struggle with Cancer, on Monday, September 26, 2022.

Born in Worcester on April 25, 1954, one of two daughters of Modesto and Elvira “Vera” (Franchi) Verdolino. She graduated from North High School, class of 1972. After graduation, JoAnn, began a lengthy career in the business world. She began with State Mutual as a cashier, then to Central One Credit Union in the Mortgage department and finally 26 years for the Main Street America Group Insurance before retiring.

JoAnn is survived by her stepchildren, Eric Anderson and his wife Jen, Nicole Anderson and her life partner Chris D’Aniello; Step grandchildren, Kayla, Dylan, Jacob, Daniel, and Ethan; her lifelong childhood best friend and caregiver, Nancy Sposato, a close friend and caregiver whom she considered another sister Jacqueline “Jackie” Rourke. Nephews and nieces, Dylan, Kelly, C.J., Riley, Shay, and Lucas Rourke; Extended family members including Pauline Rourke, James, Daniel, Christopher, and his wife Jenn Rourke; cousins and many friends. Her mother, Elvira “Vera” Verdolino, passed away in 2001, sister Beverly, March 17, 2021, and three extended family members, Paula, William, and Michael Rourke also predeceased her.

JoAnn was a member of St Mary’s. Church, Shrewsbury. Along with her sister Beverly, she always made sure their family had the best of everything, her nephews, and nieces especially. Special occasions, holidays, birthdays, or any time she could be with her family were those special moments in her life that she treasured. JoAnn would also like to thank Hospice for their care and kindness and a special thank you her nurses Brenna and Tammy.

Her celebration of Christian Burial Mass will be held Friday, September 30, 2022, in St Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street Shrewsbury at 11:00 am.  Entombment next to her mother and sister, will follow in St John’s Mausoleum. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, or the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 40 Holden Street Worcester Ma 01605. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.