Joanne Peitzsch

Joanne (Foley) Peitzsch was born on October 2, 1945, in Winchester, MA. She was the first child of Olive Marion (Richardson) Foley and Thomas Edward Foley.

Joanne lived in Woburn, MA, then in Burlington, MA, where her parents built a house while she was in elementary school.

Joanne graduated from Burlington High School in 1963. She later graduated from Westfield State College in Westfield, MA with a teaching major and a concentration in early childhood development.

Joanne initially taught in Bedford, MA, then in Petersburg, VA and Portsmouth, VA. Joanne stopped teaching in April 1974 to focus on raising her son Thomas, who was born in May.

Joanne married Paul Ernest Peitzsch on April 20, 1968. They were classmates from the fourth grade through high school, but were not romantically involved until college, after reconnecting at a party.

Joanne died on May 20, 2026, after a second struggle with melanoma. She was at home, next to her husband.

Joanne is survived by Paul, spouse of 58 years, son Tom, daughter-in-law Sara Neiman, grandson Wiliam Peitzsch, sister Jane (Foley) Mills, sister Betsy (Foley) Herman, brother Paul Foley, sister-in-law Deborah (Finnegan) Foley, uncle Donald Richardson, aunt Rebecca (Mesheau) Richardson, sister-in-law Lynda (Farrow) Peitzsch, sister-in-law Patty Anne (Peitzsch) Sasso, brother-in-law James Sasso and many much loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a celebration of life gathering for Joanne in Burlington, MA with family and close friends. A portion of her ashes will be scattered at a place chosen by her siblings. A second celebration of life gathering for Joanne will take place in Portland, OR. Another portion of her ashes will be scattered in the Columbia River Gorge, at a spot where she liked to walk, as she wished.

Joanne was a loving wife, partner and friend to Paul. Often giving him well-founded advice that more patience and less expectation of perfection would make him, and others, happier.

Joane was also a wonderful mother. She was close and nurturing, while encouraging Tom to be independent, self-confident and kind. All of which he is today.

Joanne dearly loved family. When it became apparent that Sara Neiman was going to be a permanent part of it, she couldn’t have been more elated. Sara and Joanne shared many traits and interests. Nurturing, out-going, creative individuals – avid readers, gardeners, walkers and conversationalists – they had a deep connection that multiplied their positive impact on family and friends.

William Storm Peitzsch came into the family on September 3, 2010, and Joanne’s role as nanna began. She was ecstatic. Joanne loved Will in a way that complimented and added to how she loved Tom. It was another mother’s bond, beautiful to see.

Joanne had an innate sense of style, color and proportion. Her passion for interior design found its match in the fifteen homes she shared with Paul.

Cooking and decorating for holidays gave Joanne great pleasure. Christmas was the high point, with one large and many small trees to fill with ornaments, at first with Tom and later with Will. Easter, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving were additional occasions for seasonal decorations, baking treats and lengthy meals.

Joanne lived a rich and full life. She enjoyed traveling with friends and family, treasuring unplanned moments in unique places. She was a passionate collector of art and antiques. These collections were part of her daily experience; she often moved pieces around while dusting, to appreciate them in a fresh setting. Joanne’s mother passed along a talent for needlepoint, something she could work on for hours at a time. Wordle and crossword puzzles were favorite diversions, often enjoyed with a morning coffee or a cocktail in the afternoon.

Joanne volunteered for several causes. Children in the neighborhood remember listening to Nanna Jo read stories at Will's elementary school.

Participating in book groups was deeply fulfilling for Joanne, a way to meet people and become more engaged with her community. Literary discussions developed into deep relationships; she joined a group of friends who laugh, protest and support each other during life’s most difficult moments. Distance didn’t deter Joanne from staying connected with her high school classmates. Reunions and regularly scheduled Zoom calls were rarely missed and always enjoyed.

Joanne was a kind and loving person. She gave easily and accepted graciously. She will be missed by many.