Shrewsbury – Joan M. (Burns) Carelli, 76, passed away Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011 unexpectedly at home.
She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, James J. Carelli; two sons, William E. Carelli of South Orleans and James M. Carelli and his wife Gwendolyn of Shrewsbury; a daughter, Cheryl Ann Carelli of Arlington, Texas; two grandsons, Jonathan and Justin Carelli; and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Gardner, the daughter of William E. and Cora A. (Roberge) Burns, she was a graduate of Gardner High School. She also graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, receiving her degree as a Registered Nurse.
Mrs. Carelli worked for the American Red Cross as a R.N. for 22 years before retiring in 1993. She was a member of St. Anne's Church in Shrewsbury, where she would volunteer at their Free Medical Clinic and also at church functions. She was an avid reader and adored her grandsons.
The Carelli family would like to thank Dr. Steven Davis of St. Vincent Hospital for the outstanding care and friendship given to her as well as UMass Memorial Hospice.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 20, from the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury. A period of calling hours will be held Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Anne's Church Human Services and Scholarship Fund, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or to St. Jude's Children's Fund, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To share your thoughts and memories of Mrs. Carelli, visit her personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
