AUGUSTA – Joan E. Sturchio, 96, died March 29, 2021 at M.G.M.C. from natural causes. Born in Orange, N.J. on Sept. 17 1924, Joan grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Nutley High School. Later in life, she also studied two years of accounting at Mid-State Business College in Augusta.

Working for WestingHouse after high school, she met her future husband, Sal, at a church function in New Jersey. At the time he was preparing to travel back to Italy to study medicine at University of Bologna, so in 1950 Joan followed Sal to Italy via passenger ship to be married in St. Peter’s Chapel, in the Vatican. While living in Italy Joan became quite fluent with Italian speech and culture. After returning to the states mid 1950’s, they spent time in several areas of the country before permanently locating in Maine, their favorite and frequent travel destination.

A devout Catholic, and regular communicant, Joan became and remained an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic church and community. She was a long-time Eucharistic Minister, a member of St. Agnes Circle, Daughters of Isabella and was president of local Church Women United into the 1980’s. She participated in many charitable events for St. Mary’s church and St. Michael’s parish. A highly skilled textile fabricator she created fine clothing and soft sculptures, many of which she donated for charity.

After Sal passed away in 2003 she spent time living with her son and grandchildren in Southern Maine. She shared many vivid recollections from the Great Depression and other seminal eras in America and post war Europe. Always considering Augusta home, she returned to begin working at St. Michael’s after school program and resumed her local involvement.

In 2017 she relocated to Senior Housing Apartments in Waterville to address health issues. Joan decisively retained her generosity, activity, keen wit and independence until the end of her days. She is now and forever will be greatly missed. Her absence is deeply felt.

She was predeceased by husband Salvatore “Sal”, brothers, Harvey and Eddie and sisters, Susanne and Mary-Margaret. She is survived by son Anton; two grandchildren, Riel and Bianca; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

In a private burial service Joan will be put to rest next to Sal in the old St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at directcremationofmaine.com

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you remember Joan in your prayers

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