OBITUARY: Joan I. (Malek) Medbery, 87

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Joan I. (Malek) Medbery, age 87, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away at home on June 21, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born on November 17, 1934, in Chelsea, MA; she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Imelda (Francis) Malek. Joan was raised in Chelsea as part of a large, loving family; she graduated from Chelsea High School.

Joan moved to Wilmington in the early 1960’s, where she raised her four boys: Ralph, Mark, Richard, and Peter. Joan was a devoted mother who loved spending time with her children. She loved taking the kids camping, organizing family gatherings, and hosting special holidays.

Joan worked as a Saleswoman at Sears & Roebuck in the boy’s department for many years. She had a great fashion sense, and her children were always impeccably dressed. Joan loved chatting with her customers and made many friends throughout the store.

Joan had a passion for dancing; she danced every Friday night until she was eighty-five. If it wasn’t for the pandemic limitations, she still would have been dancing. Joan loved a wide array of music; from the Irish Tenors to Bruno Mars, she appreciated a good beat. Joan “scooped up” her sweetheart and dance partner, the late Charlie Beagan, at a dance and the two were inseparable until his passing in 2021.

Joan enjoyed Wilmington; she looked forward to the 4th of July celebrations on the Common, the Memorial Day Parades and her daily walks around Rotary Park.

Joan was a loving mother, “Nana” and friend to many. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Joan was the devoted mother of Ralph Medbery & his wife Maria of Salem, NH, Mark Medbery of Wilmington, Richard Medbery of Florida, Peter Medbery of Fitchburg, and the late Glen Medbery, loving “Nana” of Pavel Medbery, Misha Medbery, Katie Patterson & her husband Justin, Brandon Medbery and Cameron Medbery, “Great-Nana” of Miles, Kameron, and Aubrey, dear sister of Dorothy Dobbins of Kingston, MA, John Malek of San Jose, CA, Stanley “Duke” Malek of Wilmington, the late Katherine D’Esposito, Lorraine Mazzoni and Susan Malek. Joan is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Tuesday, June 28th at 9:00 a.m. immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, June 27th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Memorial donations in Joan’s name may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.