Joy Draper

Joy Draper obituary, Stoneham, MA

Joy Draper

Joy Draper Obituary

Visit the McDonald-Finnegan-Anderson Funeral Home - Stoneham website to view the full obituary.

Joy Draper, 91, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026. She was born in 1934, in Chesterfield, England, and spent her early years there before beginning a new chapter in the United States. 

In 1958, Joy emigrated to Massachusetts, where she built a life marked by independence, hard work, and deep connections. She worked for many years in at Winchester Hospital, where she was known for her reliability, dedication, and sharp wit.

Joy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joe Spinazzola. She greatly cherished her time with family and especially enjoyed being with her Spinazzola and Scoppettuolo families, whose company brought her joy, laughter, and a strong sense of belonging.

She had a true love for travel and treasured the many adventures she shared with her sister Anne and brother-in-law Jack, exploring the world together and creating lasting memories. She was especially fond of animals -- horses held a special place in her heart -- and she never lost her sense of wonder and appreciation for nature.

A creative spirit, Joy expressed herself through baking, gardening, crafts, and knitting, often sharing her creations generously with others. Her hands were rarely still, and her gifts were always made with care and thoughtfulness.

Joy will be remembered as cheeky, strong, and fiercely independent. She had a quiet confidence, a dry sense of humor, and a way of doing things on her own terms. Her resilience, creativity, and warmth left a lasting impression on those who knew her.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Services are private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

McDonald-Finnegan-Anderson Funeral Home - Stoneham

322 Main Street, Stoneham, MA 02180

Make a Donation
in Joy Draper's name

How to support Joy's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Joy Draper's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more