Joan L. Massa, age 87 of Maryville, IL, born February 7, 1934 in Collinsville, IL, passed away peacefully at her home on April 21, 2021 surrounded by her family.
Joan was a 1951 Collinsville High School graduate. For many years she worked in sales at the former Home Furniture in Collinsville. She was a member of Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville.
While Joan was an active volunteer for many organizations throughout her life, her family was her foremost priority. Sewing clothes for her children, cooking amazing meals, hosting countless holiday parties for extended family or caring for her many grandchildren, Joan devoted all of her days, talents, and prayers to the care and keeping of her loved ones. She loved nothing better than spending hours watching her six children and many grandchildren as they played soccer, basketball, and baseball. She was often seen running along the edge of the soccer field and cheering with every goal.
Her beautiful smile and kindness will be remembered by all who knew her. Through many years of pain and illness she never complained bearing all with a grace that sustained those around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Theresa (nee Cherotti) Chapman.
She is survived by her loving husband and soulmate of 64 years, Leonard Gene Massa, whom she married July 12, 1956; six children: Lynn (Alan) Kerkemeyer of Maryville, IL, Lisa (Pat) MacMillan of Springfield, MO, Michael (Vicki) Massa of Nashville, TN, Mark (Diane) Massa of Collinsville, IL, Matt (Pam) Massa of Troy, IL and Eric (Kim) Massa of Tifton, GA; 17 beautiful and talented grandchildren; 7 ½ great-grandchildren; a brother, James (Shelby) Chapman of Collinsville, IL; a sister, Nancy Willett of Collinsville, IL; and her best friend since kindergarten, Joyce Fitzgerald.
The family had one goal, to keep Joan at home during her long battle with Alzheimers. That goal was achieved with the help of many talented caregivers especially Donna, who lovingly cared for Joan for over a year. A special thank you to Hospice professionals Aaron and Deborah, who treated both the patient and the family.
Visitation will be 4 – 7 pm on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, Maryville, IL. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing guidelines will be observed and masks are required to be worn.
The funeral mass will be at 10 am on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Maryville, IL with Father Rob Johnson celebrant. Burial will be in SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, Collinsville, IL.
Memorials in Joan’s honor may be made to the Joan Massa Tribute Fund and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home at 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062. This fund will be used to support those organizations near to Joan’s heart.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com
