Joanna M. Perry Obituary
Joanna Mary (Orlando) Perry, 87, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend- passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Rockport, Massachusetts. Born on May 8, 1938, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Joanna was the cherished daughter of Dominic and Fanny Orlando. She lived a fulfilling life that touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. Joanna was a graduate of Gloucester High School. Following High School, she worked for the Bell Phone company, Gorton's Seafood and Gloucester Schools.
In her retirement, Joanna continued to give back to her community by volunteering at the Rose-Baker Senior Center and organizing events for Gorton's Seafood retirees. In her leisure time, Joanna loved knitting and crocheting- creating knit projects that provided warmth and comfort for her loved ones. She enjoyed challenging her mind with puzzles, crosswords, and scrabble. And let's not forget, she knew how to play a mean game of cribbage. Cooking for her family was one of her greatest pleasures. Her door was always open, welcoming friends and family for coffee and a Sara Lee pound cake.
Her home was one for, great conversation, love, and endless laughter. One of her greatest pleasures in life was being, surrounded by family. For 65 beautiful years, Joanna was the devoted wife of Eugene J. Perry. Together, they built a loving family. She was a wonderful mother to Mary Elizabeth Riordan, Eugene Perry, Christine Ryan and Kathleen Piraino. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her grandchildren, Kayla Chapman and husband Kyle, Christian Perry, Jaime Ryan-Gilbride and husband Jeremy, Olivia Noel and husband Kyle, Seamus Ryan, Katherine Ryan, and Erin Ryan, Nico Piraino ; great grandchildren, Miles and Cameron Noel and Lucas Chapman; daughter-in-law, Julie Perry; and son-in-law, Kevin Riordan; siblings, Salvatore Orlando, Christine Orlando, Margaret Orlando and Philip Orlando; brothers-in-law Dana Perry, Sebastion Parisi; and sisters-in-law Sharon Perry, Bonnie Orlando and Frances Orlando.
She was predeceased by 5 brothers- Frank, Joseph, Mike, Paul and Dominic Orlando; sister Leanora (Orlando) Parisi. and sisters-in-law Laura, Margaret, Diane and Sara Orlando. As we remember Joanna, we reflect on a life well lived. She will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Good Voyage Church on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.
