Skilled skier and competitive tennis player
Published in the February 9, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Mrs. Joan M. (DiMeo) Sansone, 74, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
Joan was born in Boston on August 1, 1943, and raised in the North End. She graduated from Julie Billiart High School in the North End and from Chandler School for Women in Boston. Joan met the love of her life, her companion and best friend, Robert V. Sansone at a dance with some friends. For him, it was love at first sight, and they were married on October 29, 1967. Bob and Joan settled in Melrose in 1973 and shared 50 beautiful years of love and devotion.
Joan centered her life around her family. While Bob worked to support the family, Joan stayed home to raise their two sons, John and Aaron. She was a strong, confident wife and mother but was always incredibly sweet and selfless. She happily gave of herself to those around her, and just wanted the best for everybody, especially her boys. Joan enjoyed keeping a good home for her family. She loved cooking, preparing meals and growing vegetables and herbs in the garden. Thoughtful, smart, and always willing to help, Joan was a remarkable wife, mother and grandmother.
Joan faced everything in life with the same fearless determination, and generally succeeded in anything she set her mind to. She was a skilled skier, and loved playing competitive tennis on a travel team. She had artistic talent and was resourceful in her ability to repair or make anything for around the house. She loved her home, and was happiest surrounded by family watching any sporting event.
Throughout her life, Joan’s dedication to her family was her first priority. She found great joy in her children, and cherished anytime spent with her grandson, Lucio. She loved to share a smile with anyone with her quick wit and great sense of humor. All she ever wanted was for her family to be happy.
Joan was a sweet, lovable and beautiful person whose beaming presence left a mark on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed, always lovingly remembered, and her memory will carry on in the love she shared with her family and friends.
Joan was the beloved wife of Robert V. Sansone with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. Adored daughter of the late Angelo DiMeo and Louise (Bartolino) DiMeo. Devoted mother of John R. Sansone and his wife Rebecca Zangari-Sansone of Bradford, and Aaron J. Sansone of Melrose. Dear sister of Diane (DiMeo) Gallo and her late husband Frankie of Stoneham. Cherished grandmother of Lucio J. Sansone.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Joan’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, Feb. 5, and again on Tuesday before leaving in procession to St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose for her funeral Mass. For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
