Joanne Colombo

Joanne Colombo, 66, a longtime resident of Worcester, formerly of Londonderry, NH passed away Tuesday, August 17^th, 2021, after a valiant battle with Cancer.

Joanne was born in Worcester, May 21, 1955, the daughter Federico, and Laura (Lopriore) Colombo.  She graduated from North High School class of 1973 and as a graduate recalled a love of the accordion.  Joanne then used a childhood passion of working with her hands, developed a skill in leather craft as well as making old, new again by refurbishing antique articles.   In 1984, Joanne moved to NH working for T-Bones Restaurant as Kitchen manager where she could merge her creative crafty side with her love of food.  Settling in Londonderry in a home she purchased, Joanne accepted a position as Head Chef and Director of Purchasing for the Andover Country Club.  She found this to be her professional Joy for the next 15 years, until her retirement due to illness.  This retirement led her to return to Worcester,  giving her the opportunity to care for her elderly parents until they passed.

Joanne is survived by beloved Aunt, Rose Porcaro of Worcester, her brother, Stephen Colombo and his wife Debra of California, a nephew, Anthony Colombo in California;  a son, Bryan Britt of Pelham, NH his mother and longtime friend, Peggy Britt of Londonderry;  many extended family members and friends both here in Worcester and on the North Shore.

Now in Joanne’s own words, “One person in particular needs to hear how very special they have been to me.  My son Bryan , who has been the ultimate joy of my life.  He has a true caring spirit and manifestation of what true love looks like.  He has been my reason for being! I have to say that he is my proudest accomplishment.  In his own right has become, and I am sure will continue to be ,  the purest example of what love has looked like in my life.”  He was the one that would always think of me when I didn’t realize that I wasn’t thinking of myself.  I just love that boy!  How can I talk about him without also talking about his mother Peggy Britt who was someone special in her life?  She has always been a go to person.  Peggy was always there when Joanne needed her and was very special to joanne in her life.  Joanne was lucky that she shared her son Bryan with her.

Joanne as she reflected on her life in her closing days, she was compelled to thank some very supportive people, her wonderful family, and friends.   All these people made a true mark in Joanne’s life and was always there when Joanne turned to her.  Joanne always had a great life and a group of beautiful, loving friends.   She was a member of the Worcester Lodge 168, Order son of Italy in America, a longtime Bocce player and team captain, Joanne could always be found on Wednesday night guiding her players.

A period of calling hours will be held Monday, August 23, 2021, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. follow by a celebration of life service at 6 pm.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name be made to either, The Worcester Lodge 168, Sons of Italy, scholarship fund,  P.O. Box 2371, Worcester Ma 01613 or the Worcester Animal Rescue League, Holden St. Worcester 01606.    Members of the Worcester Lodge 168, will meet at 5:30 Monday in the funeral home to conduct their ritual.