Joan W. Panella

Mrs. Joan W. Panella 91, of Topsfield, beloved wife of the late Leonard Panella, died Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Masconomet Nursing Home in Topsfield. Born in San Diego, California in 1925, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Mary (Woods) Catledge. She was raised and educated in Cambridge and Malden and was a graduate of Malden Girls Catholic High School. She continued her education and earned her Bachelors Degree from Boston University. Mrs. Panella had been employed for many years as a teachers aid at Masconomet Regional School District. Family always came first in her life as she was a dedicated, wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Joan lived for many, many years in the Town of Topsfield, where she and Len raised their five children. She was very active in the town, particularly as a Trustee and Chair with the Topsfield Public Library during the redesign and expansion. She was involved with the Topsfield Rail Trail, and many other town projects. She was a tireless worker, both at home and in every community endeavor she undertook. Joan was the recipient of the Wallace Kneeland Community Service Award. She was a talented sculptor and was also very interested in the arts community in Topsfield. Joan is survived by her children and their families, Lisa Panella and David Thorne of Springfield, VA, Mark and Susan Panella of Boxford, Connie and David Greer of Fremont, NH, Larry and Betsy Panella of Hattiesburg, MS, Andrea Panella and Stacey Moore of Malden. In addition, she was grandmother to Joey and his wife Lillian who are expecting Joans first great grandchild, and Nick, Tony, Rose, Mia, Andr- ew, Jeffrey, Leslie, and Tevin. She leaves behind many wonderful friends and neighbors who will deeply miss her. She was the sister of the late Mary E. Greer of Westwood. Her funeral will be held from the Peterson-ODonnell Funer- al Home, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers, Saturday, Jan. 28th at 9 A.M. followed by her funeral Mass in St. Rose of Lima Church, Park St., Topsfield at 10 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial is Private. Visiting hours Friday, Jan. 27th from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Joans memory to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 or to the Topsfield Public Library, 1 South Common St., Topsfield, MA 01983. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuenralservice.com.