WORCESTER___Joanne K. (Skowronski) Shea, 81 of Worcester passed away Tuesday Sept. 5, 2023, surrounded by her family and listening to her favorite Irish music. She is survived by her sister, Paula Skowronski, niece and Goddaughter, Linette Howard and her husband, Robert of Worcester, Ma., niece and Goddaughter, Katherine Wainwright of New York, N.Y., and nephew, Thaddeus P. Skowronski, III of Oxford, MA. She also leaves her Godson, Steven J. Galkowski and her “adopted” niece, Nancy K. Hennessey. Joanne was predeceased by her loving husband of 41 years, John T. “Jack” Shea, her parents, Theodore and Josephine Skowronski, a brother, Thaddeus Paul Skowronski, Jr. and three infant brothers and a sister, Patrice, who died at birth.
Joanne went to Commerce High School. She worked at the former Widoff’s Bakery during the sixties and was a mental health worker at Worcester State Hospital for twenty-five years. Joanne was a longtime member of St. John’s Church and volunteered in their soup kitchen while her health allowed her. Joanne also volunteered for many years as a dispatcher for Rachel’s Table. Joanne was a kind-hearted, loving woman who loved spending time with her family. She especially loved sitting with her husband, playing cards and listening to Irish and Polish music. She will be fondly remembered by many people whose heart she touched.
Services will be private. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Food for the Poor, 20 Temple St, Worcester, Ma 01604. Henry-Dirsa Funeral Service, 33 Ward St, is assisting the family.