Joan Paula (Kellett) Burns

Mrs. Joan P. (Kellett) Burns, 93, of Hopedale MA died Sunday (May 7, 2023) at the Milford Regional Medical Center. She was the beloved wife of the late Roger V. Burns, who died in 1991.

Joan was born in Milford MA, the daughter of the late Cyril F. Kellett and the late Therese (Kolassa) Kellett, who owned the market on Pearl Street that was a constant in the childhood of her and her five siblings, of whom she was the second eldest.

Joan attended the former St. Mary’s Grammar School and was a graduate of the former St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1946.

Joan was first employed as a young woman as a clerk, working for the Town of Milford at Milford Town Hall. After her marriage to Roger, she became a devoted housewife and mother. She loved jigsaw puzzles, family gatherings, and long conversations with her siblings as they talked about family and growing up during the Great Depression. A practical woman, she was known for gifting towels and making sure each grandchild had all the supplies they needed for every school year.

Joan is survived by her five children: Roger V. Burns Jr. and his wife Joy of Plymouth MA, Charles F. Burns and his wife Tippawan of Shrewsbury MA, James E. Burns and his wife Susan of Mansfield MA, Joseph T. Burns of Hopedale MA and Patricia A. Burns of Hopedale MA; her five grandchildren: Roger V. Burns III, Erin McGinley and her husband John, Nisa Burns, Benjamin Burns and Joseph DiRusso; her two great grandchildren: Avery Burns and Landon Burns; her two siblings: John Kellett and his wife Christine of Fairfield PA and Dr. Cyril Kellett Jr. and his wife JoAnne of Carlsbad CA; her sister-in-law: Lynn Kellett of East Dennis MA; and many, many nieces & nephews.

Joan was predeceased by her sister Mary Lou Sughrue and her husband James, her sister Rita Prevoznik and her husband Dr. Stephen,  and her brother Jeremiah Kellett.

We are deeply grateful for Joan's steady and loving presence as mother, sister, aunt and firm, yet subtle, guide to us all.

Her funeral will be held Tuesday (May 16th) at 9am from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in Sacred Heart Church, 187 Hopedale Street, Hopedale MA. Burial will follow in Hopedale Village Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Monday (May 15th) from 5pm to 7pm at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Milford Regional Medical Center, c/o the Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation, 14 Prospect Street, Milford MA 01757

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