Joan E. Adamson

Joan E. (Madison) Adamson, 83, of Peabody, formerly of Salem & Danvers, died Thursday, February 27, 2014 in her home surrounded by her loving family and best friend. She was the wife of the late John Adamson. Born in Danvers on March 5, 1930, she was the daughter of John and Rachel (Fish) Madison. She was raised and educated in Danvers and was a graduate of Holten High School. She resided in Salem for many years until moving to Peabody in recent years. Joan was employed as a nurse at North Shore Children’s Hospital for several years, for S.S. Pierce, and for many years worked for the Science Dept. at Salem High School. She later worked at the Salem Diner until the time of her retirement. A loving grandmother & great-grandmother, she was dedicated to her family and enjoyed crafts and knitting. She leaves two children, Donna DeOrio and her husband James of Salem and retired Salem Police Officer Robert Burke and his wife Kathleen of Salem, her nephew, Michael Madison, eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her siblings, Rachel Beck and John and Lawrence Madison. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 11AM in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Visitation will precede the funeral beginning at 9:30AM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.