Joanne E. Stanislawzyk, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Chestnut Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Saugus on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the age of 60.

Born in Melrose on May 24, 1966, Joanne was one of 12 children of the late Joseph J. Stanislawzyk and Marie T. (Noonan) Stanislawzyk. She was raised and educated in Wakefield and graduated from Wakefield Memorial High School with the Class of 1984. Joanne worked locally as a sales associate for several retail stores throughout Wakefield.

Joanne was known for her kind, generous, and compassionate nature. One of the most meaningful relationships in her life was the special bond she shared with her sister, Clare. Although they were seven years apart in age, they were connected at the heart, and their deep and enduring relationship provided Joanne with comfort, strength, and companionship throughout her life.

Beyond her love for family, Joanne enjoyed all types of music, with a particular love for the soft rock of the 1970s and 1980s. She was also an enthusiastic fan of Boston sports, sharing in the pride and passion of other members of her family and generations of local fans.

Joanne will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her genuine concern for others, and the kindness she extended to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace.

She is survived by her siblings: Susan Nathan and her husband Bob of Maynard; Donna Laudano and her husband Mike of Derry, NH; Clare Stanislawzyk of Melrose; Carol Encarnacao and her husband Wayne of Wakefield; Christine Stanislawzyk of Wakefield; Mary Stanislawzyk and her late partner Gary Griswold of Medford; Thomas Stanislawzyk of Wakefield; Terry Giannelli of Wakefield; Gerry Stanislawzyk of Wakefield; Kendra Noel; and the late Joseph and Timothy Stanislawzyk. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Bobby Peard, Mikey Laudano, Jessica Gontarz, Jenna Giannelli, Sammi Giannelli, and Joseph Stanislawzyk.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Joanne for her Graveside Service at Forest Glade Cemetery, 470 Lowell St., Wakefield on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 10am.