Joyce Marie (Talarico) Montisanti

ATKINSON, NH - On January 23rd, after courageously and tenaciously battling cancer, Joyce Montisanti passed away, wrapped in the love of her cherished family and many close friends.

Born and raised in Haverhill, MA, Joyce graduated from Saint James High School, where she also met her high school sweetheart. They later married and had two daughters who she adored and doted over. She went on to attend Fazio’s Beauty School and became an esteemed hairdresser. Operating Joyce Marie’s Beauty Salon in her home on Laurel Avenue for many years, her gentle spirit and selfless nature endeared her customers, who became some of her closest friends.

Joyce is survived by her life partner, Harry French, who was by her side throughout her battle with cancer, loving her every minute and giving her tremendous care and support.  She is survived by her two loving daughters: Stacey Kirkham and beloved son-in-law Brian Kirkham, and Lynn Sullivan and partner Charles Gilbride. Joyce is survived by her step-daughter Andrea Jones and her husband Steve Jones, her sister Dawna Talarico and her life partner Tony Di Vincenzo, her niece Wendy Burns, great-nephew Liam Burns and nephew James Ahearn and partner Suzanne Steiner. In addition, Joyce leaves behind her wonderful grandchildren: Matt Kirkham and wife Megan Kirkham with her first and only great-grandchild Cameron, Nick Kirkham and partner Nicole Lapierre, Megan Sullivan and partner Nolan Grzegorzewski, Ryan and Brenna Sullivan, and Samantha and Gwendylon Jones. She also leaves behind her Goddaughter Diana House, along with countless aunts, uncles, cousins and treasured friends. Joyce was pre-deceased by her parents, Gregory and Ida Talarico, and her granddaughter, Kayla Sullivan.

Joyce was a Mom, a Nonna, a devoted partner, a sister, a cousin and a loyal friend to so, so many. While Joyce enjoyed participating in bowling leagues, playing Bridge and 45’s with her friends and spending time at the beach, her true passion and happiness came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  They all have such fond memories of sleepovers: Nonna’s famous pastina with butter, late night video games in the basement and silver dollar pancake breakfast-in-bed. Nonna could often be found at school concerts, baseball/ soccer/ basketball games, scholastic award ceremonies and graduations, beaming with pride at her grandchildrens’ accomplishments. Her love for her family can only be matched by the love we all will have for her forever. Our evergreen, heart-felt memories will keep her spirit alive within us all for the rest of our lives. We are truly blessed to have Joyce in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to High Pointe House, who showed Joyce exceptional care in her last days. Our family is forever grateful for the High Pointe House and their staff. Donations can be sent online at https://www.homehealthfoundation.org/giving/give-care-home or via mail to: Care at Home Philanthropy Office, 360 Merrimack St., Suite 425, Lawrence, MA 01843. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 28, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, in All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill at 10:00 AM. Please meet directly at church. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to High Pointe House, who showed Joyce exceptional care in her last days. Our family is forever grateful for the High Pointe House and their staff. Donations can be sent online at www.homehealthfoundation.org/giving/give-care-home or via mail to: Care at Home Philanthropy Office, 360 Merrimack St., Suite 425, Lawrence, MA 01843. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

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