Obituary of Joan M Mewing

Joan M. Mewing, a woman who always placed her family first, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. She was 81 years old. Joan, known to family as Joanne, was born at the family home in Malden during a January snowstorm. She was the younger of 2 children born to John and Vincenza Grungo. She grew up in Malden and was a graduate of Malden High School. Her father passed away when she was thirteen and Joan made it a point that her mother would never be alone. Joan married her husband Edmund on September 10, 1961 and they started their life together in Arlington. They brought Joan’s mother to live with them as soon as they were settled and she lived with them her entire life. Their first child, John Edmund, died in infancy, then they had 3 daughters. Edmund worked as a field engineer for Raytheon and his career forced him to move several times. They had lived in California, Virginia, New Mexico, and Italy until finally settling back in Massachusetts in Burlington in 1975. Joan was always thinking of her family and her friends. She was the loving and supportive mother to her 3 daughters. Because her husband traveled extensively for work, Joan was in charge of the home and the family. She was always picking up thoughtful gifts which she thought her daughters might need. For example, at Christmastime she tried to keep the girls close to her husband’s family who lived on a rural dairy farm in Wisconsin by sending care packages of cheese. The property had an outhouse and limited indoor plumbing, which was a bit rustic for a city girl. Joan was the queen of cards – family and friends were assured that Joan would send a greeting card for every holiday, birthday or special occasion. She was always doing little things for her neighbors and friends like making them homemade bread, Valentine baskets, or some other thoughtful gesture. Her mailbox was always full of solicitations from the many charities which she supported which included Catholic Missions, Patriotic and Veteran organizations, and endless other charities she deemed important. All those who know Joan always spoke of her kindness and wonderful smile. Joan decided she wanted to get a job after moving to Burlington. She did not drive. The natural choice for her was Building 19 ½ department store because it was literally in her back yard. She worked there for more than 25 years as a clerk and used her artistic talents to paint banners for the store. She loved her coworkers and really enjoyed the customers and getting a first look at some of the incredible bargains at the store. At home, she enjoyed sewing, crafts, and decorating her home for all the holidays and seasons. She also enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens. After her husband passed in 1988, Joan got her driver’s license. She was the type of person who wanted to give rather than receive and never wanted to burden anyone. Joan was the beloved wife of the late Edmund A., loving mother of Maria Mewing-Holbein and her husband Richard of Winston-Salem NC, Rita of Winston-Salem, NC, and Caroline of Waltham. She was Grandmother of Levi Holbein. Daughter of the late John and Vincenza Grungo. Sister of the late Frank Grungo. Sister-in-law of Carl and Merle Mewing and the late Patricia Grungo. Also survived by nieces, nephews, and many friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Monday, October 16 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Memorials in Joan’s name may be made to St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803.