Joan M. "Joanie" Blanchet
June 24, 1946 – April 1, 2025
Joan “Joanie” Blanchet, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away on April 1, 2025, with family by her side. She lived a life full of love, creativity, passion, and kindness.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on June 24, 1946, to the late Harry and Ruth (Catlin) Blanchet, Joanie graduated from Cambridge High and Latin. She was exceptionally bright and gifted, excelling in everything that captured her interest.
She cherished her time in Vermont, where she spent her younger years with family, creating memories she carried throughout her life. Joanie had a deep love for music, enjoyed playing the piano, found joy in dancing and would often sing along to the radio or the records she played.
A talented seamstress and accomplished ceramics maker, Joanie expressed her creativity in many ways. Her artistic spirit was evident in the beautiful flower rock gardens and bountiful vegetable gardens she nurtured, as well as in the handmade crafts she created. She had a passion for cooking and was always eager to try new recipes, sharing them with those she loved.
Joanie had a true appreciation for history and her heritage, always eager to learn and pass down knowledge. She was also actively engaged in politics, proudly displaying her homemade signs and participating in discussions whenever she could.
A diehard yard sale enthusiast, Joanie lived for yard sales, mapping out her routes in search of hidden gems. Her passion for yard sales was not just about the items she found, but the joy of sharing those finds with friends and family.
Her professional journey included working in the Classified Ads department at The Tewksbury Advisor, followed by a long career with the IRS, where she worked until her retirement.
She was a compassionate and generous woman, supporting causes she deeply believed in while carefully managing her own budget. Among those closest to her heart were the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the MSPCA at Nevins Farm.
Joanie is survived by her two sons, Michael P. Mercurio and his wife, Traci, of Merrimack, NH, and Robert J. Mercurio and his partner, Jennifer, of Tewksbury, MA. She was the proud Mémère of Nicholas, Alyssa, Christopher, Stephanie, and Sophia.
She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Blanchet and his wife, Anne, of Athol, MA, and her sister, Claire (Blanchet) Warfield and her husband, Charles, of East New Market, MD, along with cousins, nephews, and dear friends. She leaves behind her cherished pup, Zack, whom she loved with all her heart.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 10th, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury. The family will honor Joanie’s life in a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joanie’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the MSPCA at Nevins Farm.
Joanie’s warmth, wisdom, and generous spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.