Marie “Joan” Motlowitz passed away peacefully October 27, 2019 at Pleasant Bay Nursing Home following complications from a fall. Born in Rumford, ME on November 21, 1927, Joan moved to Springfield, MA at an early age and attended school in Springfield. She leaves behind her husband of 69 years, Nicholas Motlowitz; daughter and son-in-law Maureen and Fred Pycko of Harwich, MA; daughter Marilyn O’Neill of Rocky Hill, CT; five granddaughters, Jennifer, Melanie, Krystina, Natalie, and Michelle; three great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons. Following her marriage on June 3, 1950, she lived in Springfield until 1986 at which time she and her husband moved to Orleans, MA at Cape Cod.
Prior to her marriage, she worked on tobacco farms in Connecticut, a confectionery in Springfield, MA, and as a blueprint machine operator and personal secretary at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Hartford, CT.
Joan met the love of her life, Nick, on the dance floor at Terrain Hall and have been loving and devoted partners ever since. She was an accomplished ballroom dancer and enjoyed dancing all her life, especially to big band music. In addition to playing cards, one of her favorite pastimes was bingo which she played at local halls and special events held at casinos in MA and CT. Joan loved her family and especially loved to laugh. She was a kind and generous friend, loved to laugh, and was known for the kind gesture of a homemade banana bread. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Calling Hours will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019 from 2-4 PM with a Service Celebrating Joan’s Life at 4 PM. A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019 at 1 PM. Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children – Springfield, C/O Development Office, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.
