Joan M. Polselli

Joan M. Polselli, at age 78 passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 14, 1948, in Newton, Massachusetts to Louise (Zagaeski) and Eleuterio Polselli. She was a proud resident of Allston, Massachusetts and was a graduate of Brighton High School.

She dedicated over thirty years of her life to Honeywell Bull Inc. in Brighton, MA and later went on to serve the Archdiocese of Boston. She enjoyed fashion, the arts and traveling, especially in her younger years accompanied by her dearest friend Jane Donnelly-Cruickshank. They were kindergarten friends for life. Joan traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States.

In her later years she enjoyed spending time taking care of animals and had a soft spot for two beloved papillons who could be seen holding court in her front yard for over fifteen years. She enjoyed the joy of day trips and dinners alongside her family.

She is reunited with her siblings the late Richard W., Barbara A. and Donna L. Polselli. She is survived by her nieces Karen Madruga and her husband Mark Ruane of West Newton, MA, Deborah Polselli-Mangiofico of Tampa, FL, Cheryl Madruga and her partner Shawn Newman of Revere, MA, her nephew Richard Anthony Polselli, his wife Misti and son Dominick (USMC) of Tampa, FL.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA and/or the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday June 19, 2026, at 11:30 am at Saint Columbkille Parish in Brighton, MA followed by a reception at The Stockyard Restaurant in Brighton, MA for family and close friends.

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