Joann Piazza

Joann "Auntie" Piazza, a beloved resident of Methuen, MA, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, at High Pointe House in Haverhill, MA, at the age of 75, following a brief series of illnesses. Known affectionately as Auntie or Little Auntie, Joann's warmth and generosity touched countless lives.
Joann is survived by her brother, Angelo Piazza and his partner, Sheri of Bristol, NH; brother, John Piazza Jr. of Florida; nephew and his family, John MacDonald, Cortney, Connor and Josie; niece and her family, Theresa Fisher, Peter and Quinnlyn; niece and her family, Alicia O'Rourke, Terence, Wyatt, Dylan and Evie; sister-in-law, Janice Mitchell; nephew, Edward Shaut and family, along with many other loving relatives and friends too numerous to count.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Ann Piazza, and siblings, Kathleen MacDonald, Patricia Tucci, Rita MacDonald, Veronica Barnes, along with a host of beloved relatives and friends.
Born on October 12, 1949, in Boston, MA, Joann graduated from North Reading High School in 1968. She dedicated over 34 years to Raytheon as a corporate buyer, retiring in 2011.
While Auntie did not have children of her own, she was like a second mom to so many. Her hallmark was her love of family, especially the children in it. She was always proud to share with others all the happenings, no matter how mundane, of the children and her family, including sometimes with strangers and often on repeat. She didn't make an appearance at an event, gathering or visit without a little something for each kid she would see, even if it was as simple as a donut or a sticker.
Joann was always busy being social, never idle. For many years, she was a board member of the Raytheon Employees' Activity Association, working to help coordinate various enrichment activities for employees and their families like the always-anticipated annual kids' holiday party in December. She was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society for many years, making lots of new friends and attending all sorts of fun social events. Auntie was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, holding Red Sox season tickets in the bleachers for many years and willingly enduring some of the coldest Patriots' games. A decades long Elvis Presley fangirl, Auntie often visited Canobie Lake Park with her good friend Barbara to see the Elvis impersonator multiple times a season. In her later years, Joann traveled to destinations like Italy, France, Jamaica, Aruba, Louisiana, and, in 2024, fulfilled a lifelong dream of swimming with dolphins in Florida.
All of those she loved and touched deeply, please join us in celebrating her life. Calling hours will be on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 5-8pm at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 11 o'clock in the morning at St. Monica's Church, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA, followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen, MA.
Auntie had a strong view about giving in her life. As a result, she supported a wide variety of charities throughout her lifetime. In her honor, please consider making a donation to any charity meaningful to you in lieu of flowers - just like Auntie would do! For directions, or to send an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com.