Joanne L. Apone

"Long after we are too big to carry in her arms, our mother carries us in her heart." . . . and that's how it was for Waltham's Joanne Apone.

During her kids growing up years Joanne and her late husband Bill lived a life centered around their family . . . every night Bill would change out of his suit after getting home from his banking job, the family would have dinner together and the couple would sit for hours with a cup of coffee and talking over the day's events . . . almost unheard of nowadays.

Thursday nights meant food shopping at the Star Market on River Street and at various times the pair bowled in leagues at Ryan's Bowling Alley in Watertown and at the Wal-Lex in Waltham. They could also be found on the links at Maynard Golf Course or attending events at American Legion Post 440 in Newton where they were longtime members. Bill and Joanne were also members of Saint Jude's Couple Club.

Joanne created beautiful ceramic crafts and was an expert Bingo player. She enjoyed weekly games at the 440 with Bill and after his passing at Waltham's Stanley Senior Center.

She was also a 'Jeopardy' aficionado who knew trivia like no other . . . she would tell her family that she won every round . . . every night.

Mrs. Joanne L. (Keefe) Apone, of Waltham, died Monday, December 3, 2018 in Maristhill Nursing Home in Waltham following a period of declining health. She was 86.

She was born in Watertown on April 24, 1932, a daughter of the late James and Nora (McCollom) Keefe. She was raised and educated in Watertown and after her marriage to Boston native William J. Apone in Saint John's Methodist Church the couple moved to Waltham where they became lifelong residents. Bill died on October 2, 1993.

Until her retirement Joanne worked as an executive secretary at the Standard-Thomson Company and before that at the George W. Moore Company, both in Waltham.

She leaves her children, Cynthia J. Bragdon (Richard) of Auburn, Maine, Deborah A. Barry (Kenneth) of Waltham, Lynne M. Apone (Paul Cucinotta) of Waltham and William M. Apone of Natick; her grandchildren, Paul Saindon, Michael Saindon, Emma Bragdon, Michael Barry, Jennifer Barry, Matthew Cucinotta and Samantha Cucinotta; four great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and their families.

Joanne was also the sister of the late James Keefe and Nancy Lankford.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joanne's life by gathering to visit in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Saturday, December 8th from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Grove Hill Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to the Perkins School for the Blind, 175 N Beacon St, Watertown, MA 02472.