Joyce Ann (Peterson) Fernandes

Joyce Ann (Peterson) Fernandes of Pepperell, MA passed away Tuesday, June 27,2016  after long battle with many health conditions. She was born in Concord, MA, on April 30, 1940, the daughter of John and Gwendolyn (Hillock) Peterson. Joyce’s early years were spent in Concord, MA, where she attended the Concord-Carlisle High School.

She is pre-deceased by her husband of 10 years, Francis Fernandes, Jr., of Lowell, and her sisters Geraldine Tuomi of Harvard, Virginia Berg of Boxboro and Bernice Lawson of Pinellas Park, FL.

She is survived by her brother Everett Peterson and wife Donna, of Southampton, MA; long term companion Lance J. Allen of Pepperell; eldest son Frances F. Fernandes III and Mary Dwyer of Pepperell; Ricardo A. Fernandes and Dawn Budd of Augusta, GA; and Arthur A. Fernandes and Henry Seider of Winthrop. One of the greatest joys of Joyce’s life was her 6 grandchildren: Ceretha M. Fernandes of Westford, Francis F. Fernandes and wife Wendy Wong of San Francisco, CA, Nicholas Fernandes of Ramstein, Germany, Louis Fernandes of Palo Alto, CA, Michael Fernandes and Lynn Wheeler of Gardner, Alex Fernandes of Medford, and two great grandchildren Logan Frank Fernandes and Ava Katherine Fernandes. Joyce is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Joyce had a colorful career. Among her many endeavors, she was a devoted caretaker in Concord for many years before enjoying a turn at hairdressing, real estate and elder care in Acton, Concord and Sudbury. She owned and operated the Mediterranean Garden Restaurant in South Acton and next worked at the New Idea Store in Maynard. She finished her long career while working as a special needs driver for Transcom, Inc. in Concord.

Joyce served with the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary as Post Commander at both Post 6556 in Littleton and Post 3291 in Pepperell. Her longtime companion and she enjoyed camping in Vermont, beach time, their pet Kelsey for many years and time with friends and family. Lance cared for Joyce for many years.

Relatives and friends will be received by the family Wednesday, July 6th 4-7 PM, at the Hamilton-McGaffigan Funeral Home, 37 Main Street ( Rte. 113), Pepperell, MA 01463. Interment will follow on Thursday, July 7th at 11:00 am, at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery 24 Court Lane Concord. For those who wish donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Please see www.mcgaffiganfuneral.com