Joanne M. Carter

Joanne M. Carter, 62, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at Addison Gilbert Hospital in her hometown of Gloucester, following a recent series of health issues. Born in Gloucester on November 5, 1952, she was the daughter of the late George B. and Arline M. (Santos) Carter. Joanne resided on Cape Ann her entire life. She attended Gloucester public schools, and graduated with the Gloucester High School Class of 1970. After a brief career working in Boston for Liberty Mutual, Joanne followed her true calling of caregiving when she returned to work in Gloucester, joining her mother at the former Cape Ann Nursing Home, where she then worked for two decades as a nursing aide. In those years, it was not uncommon for Joanne to bring residents of the nursing home back to her home for a home cooked meal. Joanne loved to entertain at home, especially those who were lonely and less fortunate than her. Unfortunately for Joanne, a joint disease, caused partly by lifelong bodyweight issues, caused her to stop working in the early 1990's. The following years were physically challenging, particularly on her knees, as Joanne was never able to effectively get back to work again. The next two decades of Joanne's life were spent primarily focused on her family, her passion for her beloved feline pets, and a rediscovered love for the Boston Red Sox. She herself was a beloved sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend to many; and she was famous among her family and friends for her abilities to cook and bake a large variety of family favorite foods and desserts. Christmas was her favorite food holiday, but her culinary talents will be forever missed by her friends and family on every special occasion. Her other major talent of sewing and crafting was also a gift that will be fondly missed by those who loved her. Joanne is survived by her lone remaining sibling, her brother Michael R. Carter and his significant other, Paige E. Holland Duncan of Franklin; one very special uncle, LeRoy Ross of Gloucester, two very close cousins, Charlene (Ross), wife of Dennis Acker of Gloucester, Robert A. Melanson of Beverly, and many other cousins; one nephew, Christopher Carter of Shandaken, NY; one niece, Jennifer Sheehan of Beverly; several grandnieces and grandnephews; and lastly, her three beloved cats, Sweetie, Belle, and Charlie, who are now looking for new homes and someone to love them. In addition to her parents, Joanne was predeceased by five siblings; George L. Carter, Barbara A. Carter, William I. Carter, Jeanette I. Carter, and Donna J. (Carter) Sheehan, and her very special aunt and godmother, Carolyn T. (Santos) Ross. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Aug. 4th, at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 11am. All family and friends are welcome. Donations in Joanne's memory may be made to The Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930, or directly to the family to help defray the funeral expenses, c/o Michael Carter, PO Box 211, Franklin, MA 02038.