Joan M. (Shippee) Reece

Joan M. (Shippee) Reece, 86, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Sturbridge, MA, died peacefully on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at her home. 

Mrs. Reece is predeceased by her parents Wayne H. and Rose (Martocci) Shippee and her husband of 51 years, John D. Reece.  She is survived by:  4 daughters, Michelle Reece and her husband, Robert Martin, of Gardner, KS; Deborah Holly and her husband , George Robert Holly, Jr. of Groton, MA; Sharon Reece Harrell and her husband Clyde Harrell of Holland, MA; and Heather Reece of Bradenton, FL; 5 grandchildren, Patricia Holly, Sean Holly,  Elizabeth Harrell, C.J. Harrell, and Rose Reece;  and two sisters, Patricia Valiton of  Greenfield, MA and Monica Unger of  Concord, NH.

Born in Brattleboro, VT on January 20, 1935, she attended St. Michael’s High School where she was a majorette.  She met and married John D. Reece, February 28, 1959, and raised their family of 4 daughters. She was employed as a Special Education Aide and later became the Special Education Secretary for the Tantasqua Regional School System, retiring in 1998.  She volunteered for the United Way of Southbridge,MA, St Anne’s Church in Fiskdale, MA., and helped with English Learners for Literacy Volunteers. She started a small catering business with a friend, specializing in Hors D’oeuvres and Desserts . She enjoyed nature and gardening, attending yoga classes, and being a member of the local Red Hat Society.  Mrs. Reece’s true passion and pride was her family- She devoted her life to her husband, daughters, and her grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Serenity Gardens of Bradenton, and especially Roberta Jackson, for their loving care of Mrs. Reece during her residence.

The funeral Mass for Mrs. Reece will be Friday, June 25, 2021 at 10am at St. Anne/St. Patrick’s Church, 16 Church St, Fiskdale, MA 01518 (PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH) followed by a Celebration of Life at Westville Dam Pavilion, Sturbridge, MA.  Calling hours will be Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 4-6pm at Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA 01550 .  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Serenity Gardens, 2211 29th Ave. W, Bradenton, FL 34205, or the Alzheimer’s Association.   

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