Joanne Anderson

OXFORD - Joanne M. (Wessell) Anderson, 51, died on August 9, 2009, in her home after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Stephen C. Anderson of Oxford; a daughter, Shani L. Anderson of New York; a son, Todd E. Anderson of Bristol, CT; two very special friends and daughters, Dawn Salmonson Parker and Sharla Rossik; her mother, Marie T. (Sweeney) Wessell of Oxford; a brother, Ernest E. Wessell Jr. of Sturbridge; a sister, Dianne P. Wessell-Tariq of New York; and many nephews and nieces. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Ernest E. Wessell Sr., and was a lifelong resident of Oxford. She graduated from Oxford High School in 1976 and Hahnemann Hospital Nursing School in 1979. Joanne was a registered nurse employed at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester for 30 years. She was an avid gardener and loved the ocean, especially Hampton Beach. She enjoyed making people smile during the holidays and was called "The Cookie Lady" by children. She will be greatly missed by her family and large circle of friends. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at St. Roch's Church, 332 Main St,. Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joanne Anderson Scholarship Fund, c/o Webster Five Cent Savings Bank, 343 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540, to benefit Oxford High School graduates. As Joanne requested, there was a celebration of her life on Sunday, August 23, 2009, from 2-7 p.m. at Periwinkles Restaurant, 917 Southbridge St., Auburn. Paradis Funeral Home, Oxford, is assisting the family with the arrangements.