WAKEFIELD — Joan M. (DeVellis) Halley, formerly of Cambridge, Lexington and Wakefield passed away on January 2 after suffering a stroke on Christmas Eve. She was 83, born in Cambridge to Alfred and Martha Helen (McClenaghan) DeVellis.
She is survived by her five children: Julie (Paul) Morin of Framingham; Earl J. Thompson of Colorado; Jeanne (Thomas) Paganetti of Bedford; Scott (Jennifer Hart) Thompson of Lexington; and Derek (Amy) Thompson of Mill Valley, CA. Sister of Joseph (Patricia, deceased) DeVellis; Sister-in-law of Marie DeVellis; and predeceased by brothers Alfred DeVellis (Florence); and James DeVellis.
She leaves behind nine grandchildren: Jenna (Michael), T.J. (Brandyn), Ryan, Carly (Robert), Justin (Katie), Hayes, Spencer, Jane, Julia, as well as her great grandchildren: Christopher, Ryan and soon to arrive Baby Paganetti. She also left behind many beloved nephews, nieces and her “sorority sisters” at Five Ballister.
Visitation will take place on Friday, January 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield. A Catholic Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield on Saturday, January 6 at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/goto/Joan-Halley in memory of her father and brother, Alfred and James DeVellis.
Gramma was the embodiment of a matriarch, always aVending her grandchildren’s events and the center of every family gathering. If she wasn’t with family, she was enjoying her amazing network of friends. She was an impeccable fashionista and had a wonderful sense of humor. If you were lucky enough to be in Joanie’s presence, you were truly blessed.