On Thursday, January 27,2022, Joan Meredith DiPalma passed away at Blaire House nursing home in Milford, MA after a short illness. She was 84 years old.
She was born to Woodrow and Fannie Savage of Waltham, MA on June 2, 1937.
After graduating from Waltham High School, she married the love of her life Gerald (Jerry) Anthony DiPalma, Sr (deceased). Together, they had three children: Gerald (Jerry) DiPalma, Jr (wife Lisa DiPalma), Karen Brooks (partner Dave Hunt), and Glen DiPalma (wife Melissa DiPalma). She is the sister of Dotty Gilligan and husband Robert (Bob) Gilligan-(deceased), Woodrow (Woody) Savage and wife Laurie Savage, James (Jimmy) Savage (deceased) and wife Diane, and Jeannette Pope and partner Bob Allen. She leaves five grandchildren: Tyler DiPalma, Christopher and Nicholas Brooks, and Madeline and Abigail DiPalma.
She also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Joan and Jerry left no grass growing under their feet having lived in over 30 different homes over the years, including Waltham, MA, Baltimore, MD, Galion, OH, Oxford, OH, Anderson Township, OH, Carver, MA, Marlboro, MA, Centerville, MA, Ormond Beach, FL, and Franklin, MA.
She attended art classes at Miami University and was a prolific artist. Her works were displayed in galleries near wherever they lived. She also worked in several galleries selling both her art and those of other talented artists. Her artwork can still be seen in the homes of those close to her.
Joan was very active in her family’s personal passions and the communities in which she lived. She was a den mother for the Cub Scouts, helped with school craft fairs, and created artwork to support her children’s activities. She attended countless running and triathlon events rain or shine. She was a volunteer in Girl Scouts and attend dance recitals. When she lived in Oxford, OH she was active in the local Miami University theater. She joined the local Welcome Wagon whenever she moved. Being an artist, she was involved in the local art galleries, either working in the gallery or showing her work. Her grandchildren often saw grandma in attendance at their soccer and tennis games, running events, and musical presentations.
Most of all Joan was a loving wife. Joan and Jerry were inseparable. They enjoyed being together. Often, they would start the day with no plans, only to drive 100 miles to one of their favorite restaurants. Although the goal was to eat at the restaurant, they were more interested in the journey together, talking all the way to-and-from the restaurant. Every day they had a ritual. At 5 o’clock Jerry would make drinks for the two of them. Joan would make appetizers. Together they would sit on the couch, hand-in-hand, talking about the day’s events. Often, they would not finish their drinks. To them it was more about the ritual, creating a window of time every day to be together, just the two of them. This is one of the reasons their marriage was so strong. A true example of what marriage can be like at its best.
Joan will be missed. She touched so many lives during her travels around the country. The outpouring of love from those that knew her has been overwhelming, but comforting, to the family. She has made the journey to rejoin her true soul mate. I’m sure they are getting ready for their 5 o’clock ritual: cocktails and appetizers, together, holding hands, talking about the day’s events. Goodbye Mom, we love you and miss you already.
A wake and funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at the Oteri Funeral Home (33 Cottage Street, Franklin, MA Ph: 508-528-0011). A wake will be held starting at 9:30 AM to 11 AM followed by a service at the funeral home at 11 AM. Departure to the burial service will start at 12:15 PM. Burial services will be held at the National Cemetery in Otis, MA and will begin at 1:30 PM.
Given the current state of COVID the family encourages the wearing of masks during the wake and funeral services.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association.