Joanna B. Melone

Joanna (Blake) Melone, of North Andover, MA, formerly of Weston, died unexpectedly at home on Sunday, November 13, 2022. She was 85.

She was born July 13, 1937 in Waltham, MA, daughter of the late Weston and Helen (Warbasse) Blake. Raised in Weston, she was co-captain of the high school field hockey team and was class valedictorian when she graduated from Weston High School in 1955, later attending Smith College. 

She married her high school sweetheart Daniel G. Melone at St. Julia’s Church on June 22, 1957. They raised their family in Weston and were actively involved in town and school functions and organizations. They moved to North Andover eight years ago to become residents of Edgewood Life Care Community. 

An avid hiker, swimmer and canoeist, she loved being outdoors. Family vacations meant camping trips and canoe excursions, as well as viewing wildlife. One of her favorite spots was Emerald Pool in northern New Hampshire. She also loved to read historical fiction and travelled extensively with Danny around the world. She was a wonderful and detailed planner and Dan’s perfect compliment. Family was always first in her life and she was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother who took great joy and delight in her children’s and grandchildren’s educations and accomplishments. 

In addition to her husband of 65 years, Dan, she leaves their children, David D. Melone (Lily) of Rock Creek, British Columbia, Lisa A. Melone of South Berwick, Maine, Jonathan P. Melone (Reada) of Farmington, Connecticut, Robert S. Melone (Stephanie) of Hollis, New Hampshire and Heléna W. Melone of Brooks, Maine; her grandchildren, Alyssa Francis (Damien), Danica Melone, Andrea Ives (Spencer), Alec Melone and Morgan Melone; in-laws Ingrid Blake of Ottawa, Ontario, Cecelia (Melone) DeSimone of Saunderstown, Rhode Island, Janice Melone of San Angelo, Texas; and many, many nieces & nephews. 

She was predeceased by her brother, Weston Blake Jr., in-laws, Carl DeSimone, Anthony Melone (late Jean), William Melone (late Marie), Vincent Melone, Josephine Melone and Anna Melone Pollack, John Melone (late Marcia).