WEBSTER – Josephine A. “Jo-Ann” (Bembenek) Canty, 80, died Saturday, December 9, 2023 in Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge with family at her side.
She leaves her husband of 57 years, James P. Canty, Jr.; a son, Timothy J. Canty and his wife Lorinda of Gloucester; 2 brothers, Richard Bembenek and his wife Norma of Arizona and Kenneth Bembenek and his wife Anne of Dudley; 2 sisters, Patricia “Patty” Jezierski of North Grosvenordale, and Mary Desmarais of South Carolina; a sister-in-law Elizabeth in San Diego, CA; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Ronald Bembenek and by her brother-in-law Thomas Jezierski.
She was born in Webster on August 9, 1943, the oldest child of Bruno J. and Helen E. (Richards) Bembenek and lived here all her life. She graduated from Bartlett High School in 1961 and then earned an associate degree at the former Nichols Junior College.
Mrs. Canty first worked as a sorter at the former American Greeting Card Company where she met her future husband. She then was a secretary and salesperson at Olektron Company for 18 years. She last worked as an office clerk at Russell-Harrington Company in Southbridge, retiring in 2008.
Jo-Ann was a lifelong communicant at Saint Joseph Basilica. She served 2 terms as president of the former Saint Joseph Polish Woman’s Club. She also belonged to the Serra Club of Southern Worcester County where she was currently the financial recording secretary. She was a member of the Harrington Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, reading and her annual summer vacations to Ogunquit, ME.
An outstanding baker, she was noted for her Christmastime Jello squares which she made especially for her son and for her Polish nut bread which she gave as gifts to relatives and friends.
Her funeral will be held Thursday, December 14, from the Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, December 13, in the funeral home, with a prayer service by the Serra Club at 6:00 PM. Donations in her name may be made to Saint Joseph School Fund, 47 Whitcomb Street, Webster, MA 01570.