Westborough – Joan Marie Antonio, born July 14, 1940, a lifelong resident of Westborough, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord Sept. 17, 2019.
She is survived by her sister, Margaret McConaghy and her husband Fred of Millbury; her sister, Linda Fortier and her husband Richard of Fiskdale; and several nieces, great-nieces and great-nephew, along with many relatives and special friends. She was predeceased by her father, John M.; her mother, Margaret M. (Maccini); her brother, Michael J. “Jack” Antonio and his wife, Beverly; and her niece, Lynn Strzelewicz.
After graduating from Westborough High School in 1958, Joan worked as secretary to the selectman in Westborough. Always eager to learn and explore new things she earned her real estate license, her manicure license, an Associate’s Degree from Quinsigamond Community College and her Bachelor’s Degree from Clark University graduating in 1985.
She was an accomplished artist, illustrator, poet and author. Her oil painting of “The Duel” based on the Motif and the blizzard of “78” has numbered lithographs worldwide while many of her paintings adorn homes and businesses nationwide. She is the creator of the cartoon character “Miss Patience” and her poem “On Patience” won her an honorable mention and a silver and golden poet award from The World of Poetry, in California. She also created the “Tree Trimming Celebration” Christmas card based on the event held annually at the rotary in Westborough center.
Her passion for beauty and nature led her to organize, design and put into action the Meditation Garden on the grounds of Westboro State Hospital in 1993. Joan was also an avid volunteer in many women’s civic and private organizations. She was a former member of the Westborough Chamber of Commerce, Westborough Police Association, Worcester Poetry Association, Worcester Art Museum, Westborough Artist Association, Southborough Arts and Friends of Westborough State Hospital where she also served as a member of the board of directors. She was an advocate and passionate supporter of single women and minorities.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, Sept. 23, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. A calling hour will precede the Mass from 9-10 a.m. at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Charlotte C. Spinney Vision Scholarship, c/o Avidia Bank, 100 East Main St., Westborough, MA 01581 or to the Westborough Fine Arts Education Association, PO Box 31, Westborough, MA 01581.
