Joanne Denise (Cummings) Kowalik, 92, of Medway, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children on Saturday February 15, 2025. She was the beloved wife of 65 years to Leo F. Kowalik, Sr., who died in 2020.
Born in Lowell on July 1st, 1932, she was the youngest child of the late James P. and Marie (Dunlavey) Cummings. Joanne split her youth between Lowell and South Boston, eventually graduated from Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School in South Boston. After graduation, Joanne began working for New England Telephone and Telegraph.
Soon after, Joanne met the love of her life Leo at City Point in Southie. They married in 1955 and a short time later moved to Medway in 1967. As Joanne described it, moving from the city to Medway was like moving to “God’s Country’’.
Joanne was old fashioned and loved being a stay-at-home mom to her 4 children, Jeanne, Leo Jr., Nancy, and James, aka Jim. However, when it was time to go back to work, Joanne became a Lunch Lady at the North School, now McGovern Elementary School, for many years. This so happens to be a school where her great grandchildren attend.
Joanne loved nothing more than to be with her family, especially her Leo. From watching Boston sports, to the countless trips to Vegas, Foxwoods, and Plainridge Casino’s, vacationing at The Anchorage in New Hampshire, being around family always made her happiest.
Joanne’s greatest accomplishment however was raising her 4 children, who gave her 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. To her, nothing compared.
Joanne is survived by her children, Jeanne Santora and husband David of Shrewsbury and Sebastian, FL., Leo F. Kowalik Jr. and wife Margaret of Buzzards Bay, Nancy Souder of Milford, and James Kowalik and wife Terri of Medway. Grandchildren James Kowalik Jr. and wife Brittany, Kaitlyn McHugh and husband Chris, Melissa Felper, Leo F. Kowalik III and wife Eryn, Bradley Kowalik and wife Sarid, Mark Souder, Christopher Kowalik and wife Chelsea, and Zachary Santora and girlfriend Taylor. Great-Grandchildren Isabelle, Ashlyn, Alonso, Colton, Leo IV, Rory, Areli, and Kylie Joanne, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her Leo, Joanne was predeceased by her siblings Dorothy O’Brien, James B. Cummings, and Barbara Oatway.
Her family would like to give a thank you to the memory care staff at Countryside of Milford., with a special thank you to her nurses Megan and Jane, and CNA Mari.
Joanne’s funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph Church, 151 Village Street, Medway, MA. Burial will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Medway.
Calling hours will take place on Saturday, February 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber Street in Medway ginleyfuneralhomes.com