Northborough – Joanne Jonaitis (Pazareskis) passed away peacefully on February 8, 2023, while surrounded by the love of her family. She was 64 years old. Born in Worcester and raised in Shrewsbury, Joanne was a daughter of George and Bette (Sterner) Jonaitis, Jr. and a 1976 graduate of Shrewsbury High School.
Joanne started her career as a mechanical draft person and developed a talent for cooking which she generously shared with friends, family and strangers alike. She worked as a cook, most recently at Peppers Fine Food Catering, where she also assisted in the catering of special events. Joanne was known for volunteering her time and utilizing her talents towards the benefit of others. She made and served sandwiches to the homeless with Worcester Fellowship, prepared meals within Trinity Church of Northborough’s various outreach missions and cooked for the veterans at Veterans Inc of Worcester. Joanne also volunteered her time at the Northborough Food Pantry. A testament to her devotion of helping others, Joanne worked around the clock twice for two weeks, feeding power grid company workers repairing storm related region-wide power outages.
Joanne’s kitchen was always stocked with the best ingredient – LOVE. She deeply loved her family and took pride in caring for them. Joanne possessed a personality that was warm, personable and full of humor; she loved to share a laugh. Collecting cookbooks was a favorite pastime. She had a passion and strong devotion to the care and love of animals.
Surviving Joanne is her husband of 33 years, Paul R. Pazareskis and her beloved daughters Molly Jonaitis – Pazareskis and Madison Pazareskis, all whom live in Northborough; her mother Bette Jonaitis of Shrewsbury; two brothers George Jonaitis III and companion Donna of St. Simons, GA and Gary Jonaitis and his wife Laura of Wareham, MA; a sister Suzanne Durkin and her husband Joseph of Buzzards Bay, MA; as well as many nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by the Pazareskis family from both the East and West Coasts.
Calling hours will be held from 4-7PM on Wednesday, February 15 at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A memorial service will take place at 11AM on Thursday, February 16 at Trinity Church of Northborough, 23 Main Street, Northborough.
Joanne’s family respectfully requests memorial donations may be made directly to Northborough Food Pantry, 37 Pierce Rd, Northborough, MA 01532.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
