WILMINGTON, MA — Joan D. Kritter (Gonsalves), age 87, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2019.
Joan was born on January 25, 1932; she was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Dolores Gonsalves. Joan was raised in Dighton and Taunton and was a graduate of Somerset High School. Joan went on to further her education as a graduate of Trusdale School of Nursing where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse and then on to Emmanuel College where she got her BA in Sociology.
Joan was employed as a registered nurse at the Trusdale Hospital for many years; she was extremely dedicated to her patients and treated them as if they were her own family. Joan went on to take a position as the Vice President of the area health planning of Greater Boston.
Joan married “her sweetheart” Eugene Kritter, 63 years ago, the couple settled in Wilmington in 1960 where they raised their family. Joan was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her family unconditionally and looked forward to the time she spent with her grandchildren whom she adored.
Joan loved her “mystery rides” with her husband Eugene where they would load up the car, head out for an adventure and have a lot of fun along the way. Joan was known to be “well-traveled” both domestically and internationally; she had many memorable family trips to Disney World and went abroad to France, Italy, Portugal and Russia just to name a few destinations. Joan enjoyed seeing new places, discovering new cultures and meeting new people.
Joan had many talents; she was a great painter and made all kinds of jewelry. She was also very passionate about art and music of all kinds.
Joan will be fondly remembered for her dedication to her community of Wilmington and the many community activities that she was involved in including family health planning and the original drug and substance abuse committee. Joan was always looking for ways to help others in need and she never expected anything in return. She was kind, caring, loyal and dedicated to her family, friends and fellow man; in return she was very well loved and respected by her family, community, and nursing profession. Joan was quite a lady who left this world a better place and she will forever be missed.
Joan was the beloved wife of Eugene Kritter, devoted mother of Paul Kritter and his wife Susan of Trinity, AL, Philip Kritter of Wilmington, MA, Andrew Kritter of Danville, NH and the late Peter Kritter. Loving “Grammy” of Lauren Marie, Paul Joseph, Jessica Terese, Dylan, Remy and great-grandchildren Kaleb, Madelyn, Westin and Isabella.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, December 23rd at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday, December 22nd from 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Donation in Joan’s memory may be made to St. Thomas Church/Parish of the Transfiguration, c/o Parish Office at 11 Harnden St., Wilmington, MA 01887.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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