Joanne Wilbur

CHARLTON – Joanne M. (Zollo) Wilbur, 85, died Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester, surrounded by her family, after a three-month period of declining health.  Joan, as she preferred to be called, was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Norman S. Wilbur who died in 2008 and infant son, Dean E. Wilbur, who died in 1963.  She is survived by two sons, Brian F. Wilbur and his wife Jeanne of Charlton, and Todd S. Wilbur of Charlton and her grandchildren:  Kelsey Wilbur and husband, Samuel Warner; Erin Wilbur; Patrick Wilbur; Daniel Demeritt; Mia Wilbur and Grace Wilbur; as well as many nephews and nieces.

She was born in Worcester, and was raised by Herbert and Ida Pierce in Charlton.  She graduated from Charlton High School.  Joan proudly served four years in the United States Air Force where she was stationed in Texas, at Randolph Air Force Base.  Joan was awarded the Good Conduct medal, for demonstrating exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during her service.

Prior to raising her family, Joan worked at Wyman Gordon. She later spent over 20 years working at the Heritage School in Charlton, retiring in 1999. She and Norman spent six weeks traveling across the country, visiting friends, family and enjoying their retirement together in 1999. In her retirement years, Joan enjoyed volunteering and spending time at the Charlton Senior Center.  She was honored by the town at Old Home Day 2012, as Volunteer of the Year.

Joan was a member of the American Legion Post 391 in Charlton and one of the original members of the Charlton Chapter of the Red Hat Society.   She loved gardening, mowing her expansive lawn on her rider, annual family trips to Cape Cod, Boston sports teams and socializing with her family and many friends.   However, her greatest joy was her grandchildren, cheering at their sporting events and attending their activities.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of UMASS, University Campus, for their loving care and attention provided to Joan and our family during the last days of her life.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford.  Burial with military honors will follow at West Ridge Cemetery in Charlton.  Calling hours are Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Charlton Senior Center, 37 Main St., Charlton, MA 01507.