Joan Hagstrom

MILLBURY - Joan E. (Mendys) Hagstrom, aged 79, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, June 7th, at Rose Monahan in Worcester.

Joan was preceded in death by her father, Frank Mendys, and her mother, Jane Mendys (Czyryca), both from Worcester. She is survived by her devoted husband, Walter T. Hagstrom Sr., of Millbury; her cherished sister, Diane P. O’Connell, of Auburn; her three beloved children: Honora Shibley and her husband, John Shibley, of Wilmington, NC; Walter Hagstrom Jr. and his wife, Deborah Hagstrom, of Quincy; and Jane Nolan of Worcester. Joan also leaves behind ten adoring grandchildren: Ellen Shibley of Raleigh, NC; Margaret Shibley of Durham, NC; Abigail Shibley of Durham, NC; Erin Shibley of Wilmington, NC; Samantha Nolan and Evan Nolan of Millbury; Timothy Shibley of Wilmington, NC; Sophie Hagstrom and Isabel Hagstrom of Quincy; and Mary Shibley of Wilmington, NC. Additionally, she is survived by a niece Alicia O’Connell Rogers and nephew Kurt Hagstrom.

In 1966, Joan graduated from Rivier College, where she earned a degree in Social Work. She embarked on a fulfilling career path, first serving as the director of the Millbury Council on Aging and later directing the Home Delivered Meals program in Worcester. Joan dedicated many years of her life to making a positive impact on the lives of others. She retired in 2009 after working at Christopher House Nursing and Rehab Center. Throughout retirement, just as she had during her active years, Joan remained devoted to caring for her family.

Joan found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren, engaging in activities like baking cookies and sharing heartfelt stories. She loved to spoil her grandchildren and could often be seen shopping with them or planning trips to create special memories together. Joan was a firm believer in maintaining family traditions, such as hosting gatherings on the Fourth of July and ensuring everyone was together for Christmas Eve. She took great pleasure in bringing the family together during these cherished occasions. Joan's caring nature extended beyond her family. She was always quick to extend a helping hand, lend a compassionate ear, or offer to run errands for those in need. Her selflessness and kind-heartedness touched the lives of many. Joan also took pride in her Polish heritage, instilling a sense of cultural appreciation and passing down treasured traditions to her loved ones.

The family of Joan Hagstrom extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Rose Monahan for their exceptional care and support during Joan's time there. Joan will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Family and friends will remember Joan’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Tuesday, June 13th from 9 to 10:15 a.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on the same day at 11 a.m. in St. Brigid Church, 59 N. Main Street, Millbury.  Burial will follow in Central Cemetery, Millbury.