Joanne Dunlee Steele, 85, formerly of Woburn, MA, Tewksbury, MA and Naples, FL, passed away on August 18, 2023 at Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH after several days of being surrounded by her loving family.
Joanne was born March 30, 1938 in Everett, MA and raised in Revere, MA where she met the love of her life, Gerry. Together, they raised a beautiful family that continues to grow. They also made life-long friends and memories that Joanne still spoke fondly of until her passing.
Joanne will be remembered for her love of family and friends. Anyone who met her immediately became a family member or friend for life. A gentle and caring soul, she would do anything to make anyone feel welcome and at home. The love she gave was endless and reciprocal. Many of her children's friends fondly referred to her as mom or mama. She enjoyed entertaining at her previous homes in Naples, Florida and Point Sebago, Maine. Her favorite times were spent relaxing and enjoying time with friends and family on the boat, on the beach or on the deck.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gerald (Gerry) Steele, to whom she was married for 57 years before his passing. She leaves son Gary Steele and his spouse, Donna Bertolino of Lawrence, MA; daughters Kathi Brock and her husband Robert of Hudson, NH and Carolyn Steele of North Hampton, NH; adored grandchildren Saskia Steele Johnson and her husband Corey of North Dakota, Nicole Morris and spouse Glenn Vanzee of Minnesota, Cameron Brock and his wife Emily of Hudson, NH and Bradley Brock of Brighton, MA, Cole Lemire and Luke Lemire of Lowell, MA, great-grandchildren Zoe Schumann, Jaxson Schumann, Averi Johnson and Kylie Johnson of North Dakota, Vincent Graham of Minnesota and many nieces, nephews and friends who she considered extended family.
On Wednesday, August 30, 2023 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 4-7 p.m. at Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury 978-851-2061.
Her funeral will begin on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by her funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Williams Church, 1351 Main Street, Tewksbury. A procession will follow for burial at Tewksbury Cemetery.