Joan F. Newton

Joan F. (Nelson) Newton, MSW, 72, died on Thursday, June 26, 2008 in the Johnson City Medical Center after a short illness.

She leaves her husband of 24 years, William J. O'Connor III; her children, Patrick J. Newton of Little Rock, AK, Katherine Newton of Ingleside, Ontario, Kelley Zarganis of Johnson City, Thomas E. Newton of Arlington and Clifford J. Newton of New Britain, CT; her brother, John Nelson of Gloucester; sisters, Carlotta Kennelly of Clarksburg, VA and Rosemary Kalin of Johnson City; 5 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. Joan was predeceased by her beloved son, John R. Nelson and her first husband, Earl L. Newton.

She was born in Evanston, Illinois the daughter of the late Ragnar and Irene (Kennedy) Nelson. Joan attended the University of Massachusetts earning a Bachelor's degree and then a Masters of Social Work from the State University of New York, Albany. She was a retired investigator contracted to the Mass. Juvenile Court System. Prior to that she worked for the Commonwealth of Mass. Dept. of Social Services. She was an avid fisherman, winning numerous awards. Joan enjoyed gardening and canning her homegrown produce as well as traveling by train.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 30th, in the Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. The funeral service for Joan will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1st, in the funeral home followed by burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Boylston.

www.milesfuneralhome.com