Joan Nancy DeFelice

Of Needham, formerly of Waltham and Newton, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness, Monday, March 27, 2017 at the Avery Manor Nursing Home in Needham. She was 69.

Born and raised in Newton to the late John and Jenny (Ferlazzo) Defelice, she spent most of her adult life between Newton and Waltham. She was a graduate of Newton South High School and Boston University.

Joan worked as a first and second grade teacher in the Waltham School system for over twenty years. She taught in Newhall Elementary School and Fitch Elementary School.

In her spare time, Joan enjoyed shopping and going out to eat.

She was the sister of the late Dawn Johnson.

She is survived by her aunt and uncles Anthony and Stephanie Ferlazzo of Natick, and Thomas Ferlazzo of Eastham, her nephew John Johns of Livermore, Maine, her niece Karen Nguyen of Groton, and her brother-in-law Leonard Johnson of Wrentham. She is also survived by several cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Service in celebration of Joan's life at the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons, 773 Moody St., WALTHAM, Thursday at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 9 - 10 a.m. Parking attendants will be on duty. Interment, Saint Mary's Cemetery in Needham.