GLOUCESTER: Joan C. (Low) Guarrasi, 80, formerly of Ellery Street, died Thursday, May 31, 2012, in the Seacoast Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was the wife of the late Nicholas P. Guarrasi, who died last December.
Born in Gloucester on May 15, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Milton E. and Olive A. (Wells) Low. She was a lifelong resident and graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1950.
Following graduation, Joan was employed for many years as an operator for New England Telephone. She later worked part-time as a clerk for Brooks Pharmacy.
Joan’s greatest joy came from interacting with children, which ultimately led to her becoming a longtime nanny for the Murray family. She relished caring for Matt and Chris and she and Nick quickly became close family friends.
Joan was a talented and prolific knitter whose creations were shared with many. She was also a member of the First Baptist Church, where she was active on many committees, as well as the Stevens Fellowship of the church.
She is survived by her brother, Edward Low of CA; sister, Phyllis Swift of Gloucester; nieces and nephews, Valerie, Audrey, Charles and David. She also leaves many dear friends including Jean Dyett, Liz and Rick Murray, John Mercurio and Treasure Mercurio and their families, and her former husband, Donald “Buzzy” Monroe.
Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday morning in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will be held in the Dolliver Memorial Cemetery.