JoAnne T (Giaimo) Abdella, age 95, of Winchester, MA, passed away on January 30, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph P. Abdella, Sr., the loving mother of Tom Abdella and his wife Beth Klein of Framingham, MA, Jean Chastain and her husband Greg of Winchester, MA, and Joe Abdella and his wife Laurie of Reading, MA. She was also the loving grandmother of Gabriela Chastain, Jay Abdella, and Andrew Abdella, the dear sister of Marie Lacey of Winchester, and Lillian Gagliardi of Lynnfield, the late John, Frank and Ignazio Giaimo, Frances Pecorella, Florence Saviano, Elena Zero and Vini Levin, and the dear sister-in-law of Madeline Giaimo of Medford, Art Levin of Medford, the late Jack Lacey, John Zero, Phil Gagliardi and Helen Giaimo. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and many great nieces and great nephews.
JoAnne, also known as Jenny, was born in the North End of Boston, MA, the daughter of Leonarda (Santangelo) and Salvatore Giaimo who had both immigrated to the US from Sicily, Italy. Growing up, JoAnne practiced the Catholic faith, and belonged to St. Leonard’s Church in Boston. JoAnne passed on fond memories of her family’s years living in an apartment building on Clark Street, and then in a duplex on Wright Ave. in Medford, MA.
JoAnne was a graduate of Girls High School in Boston where she made life-long friends. As a young woman, she might be found dancing at Mosley’s on the Charles or sunning at the beach in Ogunquit.
In the 50’s, she met Joe Abdella while working at the Investment Trust of Boston. They were married in 1958 and moved to Winchester, MA, where their first child, Tom, was born. She was a long-time parishioner at St. Mary’s Church. There was a brief move to Framingham and then back to Winchester where Jean and Joe followed. JoAnne was involved with many organizations in Winchester – including as a volunteer with Tom’s Cub Scout pack and with St. Mary’s School, which her son Joe attended. She would often be creating a program or yearbook, given her crack secretarial skills (pre computer!). Later, she worked at the Library and for Town Manager Chad Mauer, of whom she was very fond. After she retired, she volunteered at The Jenks Center for almost 15 years.
She enjoyed cooking and was a terrific chef with both Italian and Lebanese dishes that she learned from her in-laws. She loved having people over for meals, loved parties whether at her house or at a family member’s place. JoAnne always took great care of her children’s friends; and to their delight sometimes raviolis would magically appear at midnight after returning from a night out. She very much enjoyed her many lunches and get-togethers with her sisters and nieces over the years. JoAnne was always there to give a boost and confidence to those that sought her advice.
Favorite destinations were New York City, Montreal, York Beach and Ogunquit, Maine and the old Cape Codder Hotel in Sippewissett (Falmouth). She enjoyed taking the kids to Boston when they were young to see movies and go shopping. She loved attending musicals and enjoyed music, especially the Italian crooners with Tony Bennett first and foremost.
JoAnne was a devoted wife and mother and loved having her family around her. Her three grandchildren, Gabi, Jay and Andrew, brought her happiness every time they would visit together, watching them grow up, going on trips and even shooting a Red Ryder BB gun at targets with Jay in his back yard. She was a good sport but a little reserved around Tom and Jean’s dogs Clancy, Maxie, Ember, and Kirby.
We will remember JoAnne’s devotion to family, faith, strong will, sense of humor and sharp wit – over an amazing long life.
JoAnne’s family would like to recognize Emily from Comfort Keepers and Marcie from Home Helpers for their kind care during her last year. JoAnne’s family is forever grateful to all her doctors, nurses and staff including those at Aviva, Winchester Hospital and Winchester Rehab who treated her with understanding, compassion, and kindness.
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 3, at 11am at St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester, MA. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester, MA. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring for family and friends.
Donations in JoAnne’s memory may be made to The Jenks Center, online at https://www.jenkscenter.org/donate or by check to the Winchester Seniors Association, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester, MA 01890.