Joanne M. (Giannetto) Servideo, of Medford, formerly of Chelsea, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5. She had family at her side until the end. She was 94. Joanne was born on March 26, 1930 to Antonino Giannetto and Mary Magazzu.

Joanne was the beloved wife of the late John L. Servideo. She was the devoted mother of John A. Servideo, Michael A. Servideo and his wife Brenda, James R. Servideo and his wife Tracy, and the late Frank R. Servideo and his surviving wife Elizabeth. She was the loving Grammy of Lucas, Karl, Nicholas, Alexsandra, John Paul, Christina, Diane, Thomas, Zachary, Kiel, Stephanie, Gina Maree, Stephen and Deanna. She was the caring great-grandmother of 19 great-grandchildren. She was the dear sister of Anthony Giannetto and the late Nicholas and John Giannetto. She was the loving sister-in-law of June Servideo and former mother-in-law to Heidi Servideo. Joanne is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joanne lived a beautiful love story, beginning in 1947 when Army Private John L. Servideo was stationed in Korea and sent a photo of himself with a simple message scribbled on the back: “To a sweet kid. Even though we have never met.” That meeting awaited John’s return to Chelsea when, as Joanne recalled, he showed up in a zoot suit and “drove with a heavy foot” on their first date. They were inseparable throughout their five decades together, building a family, establishing traditions and, when time permitted, gliding across ballroom dance floors.

Joanne’s 94 years seeded a legacy with everlasting roots. Acts of love came naturally to the eldest sibling of three brothers, the mother of four sons, and the matriarch of an extended family who will cherish, honor and celebrate her memory long after her final laugh. She was a phenomenal cook who welcomed anyone to her table, serving specialties including chicken cutlet, braciolettini and pasta fagiol. Joanne encouraged unplanned visits which she matched with delicious home-cooked meals. Any clothing in need of mending was accepted without complaint, though torn garments were not the only things she made whole again. Joanne was a great listener who received all life updates and anxieties with equal attention. It was impossible to walk away from a conversation with her without feeling lighter and brighter.

Joanne’s infectious laugh would often consume a crowded room, shifting the energy into a most jovial state. Playing cards, dancing, charades, you name it – Joanne enjoyed celebrating life with family and friends, new and old. Perhaps her most endearing quality is how strongly she connected with strangers who immediately became her friends. To know Joanne was to fall in love with her and to feel loved by her. Her unconditional love was boundless and unlimited, nor can death diminish it. Her legacy is alive in the people she touched and taught to lead with love. In short, she loved and never left any doubt about it. Joanne’s many loved ones find comfort in this enduring and eternal element of her spirit.

A celebration of Joanne’s life will be held on Thursday, January 16th, at Woodlawn Cemetery Chapel, 302 Elm St., Everett, at 11 AM, burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Joanne's name to the Alzheimer's Association, , 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.
______________