Joan (Haggerty) Ferraro, of Worcester, passed away August 3, 2024. She was born in Weymouth, MA, on January 5, 1938, the daughter of Thomas and Aline Leal.

Sadly, in addition to her parents Joan was predeceased by husband, Luigi Ferraro.

Joan is survived by her loving daughter, Ann Rhoades and her son-in-law Russell Rhoades; her brother, Thomas Haggerty and his wife Rosemary; her best friend, Joyce Grigaitis; and her nephews, David Grigaitis and his partner Gina Dicicco and sons, David Jr. and Chuck Grigaitis.

She received her BSN from Anna Maria and her master’s from Worcester State. She continued working as a nursing student clinical professor for Worcester State and Becker College. Joan worked as an educator and staff nurse for over 40 years at Saint Vincent’s Hospital.

Her favorite things included shopping, the casino and her beloved Red Sox games. She was always a caregiver to Quincy, our sweet westie.

She gave herself as a member of Our Lady of Loreto donating as much time as she could to help with Catholic education. She donated a kidney to her daughter thus giving her daughter a chance at life for a second time.

She will be missed but is finally at peace. Enjoy heaven and one day we will all meet again. Love you forever.

Funeral services will be held privately.