JoAnne Cecile Sykes

NEW BEDFORD- JoAnne C. Sykes, 75, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on November 25, 2022. She was the loving wife of the late Richard W. Sykes.

JoAnne was born in New Bedford and was the daughter of the late Chris Christensen and Cecile (Corre) Christensen.  A lifelong resident of New Bedford’s South End, JoAnne was employed as the office manager at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church for many years. 

She is survived by her sons, Ryan Sykes of New Bedford and Derek Sykes and his wife Amanda of Maynard; grandchildren, Andrew, Daniel, Gabby, and Audri whom she loved very much.

JoAnne had a rich and wonderful life.  She was so many things to so many people.  Above all, she was a fantastic mother and an even better grandmother.  JoAnne was a devoted daughter to her mother Cecile and a cherished member of her extended family.  In her spare time, she loved socializing with her dear friends at the thrift shop, neighbors, and “girls” lunch group.  Her singular pleasure was spending time with her cousins basking on the beach in Martha’s Vineyard. 

When she was younger, she was an active mom for the SEYAA little league.  She cheered her boys on the ballfield, broke up wiffle ball fights in the backyard, and fed all the neighborhood kids peanut butter sandwiches throughout the summer.  This and a million other sweet little things that she did made this bright, caring, brave, and talented woman the Jewel of the South End.  She will be sorely missed by the so many people that she touched throughout her life.

JoAnne, being the kind and practical person that she was, had asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to St. Martin’s Thrift Shop, 136 Rivet St., New Bedford, MA

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 11am in the Chapel of Sacred Heart Cemetery, 559 Mount Pleasant St., New Bedford.

Arrangements entrusted to the Donaghy-New Day Funeral Home, New Bedford.

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