Joan L. Waligurski

BEVERLY- Joan L. (Santoro) Waligurski, 80, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on November 14, 2020. She was the wife of the late Joseph Waligurski and predeceased by her first husband, Alexander J. Simon. Born on October 10, 1940 in Manhattan, New York, she was the daughter of the late Edmund and Josephine (Elmo) Santoro. She was raised and educated in New York as a Medical Assistant and Lab Technician. Joan spent much of her adult life in Danvers and Beverly. She attended the former Essex Agricultural School of Nursing at the age of 50, where she received her L.P.N. certificate. Joan was employed with the Hogan Regional Center for 27 years, before retiring at the age of 70. She had been very active in the local AFCME union and served as Vice President. Joan loved music and enjoyed dancing, cooking and gardening. Family traditions were important to her and she looked forward to yearly trips with her children and grandchildren to visit relatives in NJ and trips to the White Mountains in NH. Joan was witty, generous, vivacious, and always could tell a good story. As the Matriarch of her family, she was a wonderful mother and devoted grandmother and GIGI. Spending time with loved ones and helping those in need brought her the most joy in life. She is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Humberto Estrella of Beverly, Joanne and Robert Henderson of Danvers and Catherine and David Wolniewicz of Danvers, sister Judith Reilly of CT and sister-in-law, Katie Lindamood of NH, seven grandchildren, Sarah, Benjamin, Robert and Jack Wolniewicz, Jennifer and Allison Williams and Nicholas Henderson, two great grandchildren, Alexander and Andrew Esposito and her niece and nephews and extended family. Joan’s funeral services are private due to the pandemic. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joan’s name to the Salvation Army at https://give.salvationarmyusa.org or 93 North St, Salem, MA 01970.