Joanne Marie (Rappa) Sims, 89, of Franklin died August 29 at the Friendly Home in Woonsocket, RI. She was the wife of the late George C. “Smokie” Sims who died in 2021.
Joanne was born in Franklin on February 13, 1934, the daughter of the late Joseph and Philomena (Ficco) Rappa. Joanne was a lifelong Franklin resident.
Joanne had worked in the accountant’s office of the Town of Franklin for many years before retiring. She later worked part-time at the Wrentham Town Hall.
Joanne enjoyed traveling which included many trips to California and Disneyworld. She loved spending time with her family, especially all the grandkids! She made sure to never miss her soap operas or cooking Sunday dinners for the family! She was the kindest person and was always there for her family!
She is survived by her children, Joseph Sims of Manteca, California, and Steven Sims and his wife Pamela of Franklin. She was the mother of the late Pamela Costello of Franklin, and she is survived by her son-in-law Robert Costello of Franklin.
Joanne is survived by her sister Rosemary Guilbault of Holbrook and was the sister of the late Joseph and Robert Rappa.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer Sims, R.J. Sims, Kristin Costello, Katie Costello, Kerri Costello, Amanda Sims, Valerie Sims, and Skyler Sims. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, James and Samantha Robinson, Gemma Sims, and Hunter Alves.
Her graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 9, in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Franklin at 1:00 p.m.
Calling hours will be on Friday, September 8, from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturday, September 9, from Noon-12:30 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Center for Dementia Research (https://www.cdr.rfmh.org/)