Joanne Marinelli Mackay, 68, passed away surrounded by family on May 13, 2023 at Research Medical Center. She was born July 7, 1954, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the daughter of Charles P. and Anna (Moretti) Marinelli. Joanne graduated from Holy Family High School, Class of 1972. Following graduation, Joanne joined the U.S. Marine Corps where she was assigned to Secretary of Navy at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and was one of the Marine Corps Representatives. After that, she was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps, where she met her husband, Steve. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 22 years. Joanne retired from the USMC on May 31, 1994 as an E8, Master Sergeant. Her last duty station was at the Marine Corps Finance Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Joanne then served as a Rural Route Carrier for the Peculiar Post Office in Peculiar, MO. She spent 18 years with the postal service, retiring in 2016. Along the way in both the Marine Corps and Post Office, Joanne made a positive impact on everyone she worked for and around her. She will be remembered for her work ethic, integrity, and intelligence. She and Steve married April 17, 1982 while they were stationed in Arizona. They celebrated 41 years of marriage in April. Together, they had two children.
Those who knew Joanne knew she loved to travel. She had a hard time staying in one place for too long and often flew back and forth between Missouri and Massachusetts. She was often caught making plans traveling to Florida or a Tropical Island with her grandson, Carter. Joanne took so much pride in her children’s successes, but more so Carter’s. She attended as many sporting events, dance competitions, tumbling meets, and school functions as possible. She loved being a part of every little or big experience that was presented. You could always catch “Gigi” with a margarita in her hand in the front row cheering everyone on.
Surviving in addition to her husband, Steve Mackay, are her son, Sean Mackay of New Bedford, and daughter, Nicole Mackay of Belton, and her only grandchild, Carter Mackay (son of Nicole), as well as many cousins. Joanne was predeceased by her father Charles, mother Anna, and her brother Michael.
A memorial service will be held at St. Sabina Catholic Church on June 1, 2023 and a Celebration of Life will be held in New Bedford, MA later this summer. Joanne has the honor of being inurned in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. A proper service with full military honors will be held there at a later date.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
