Joan T. Frende

Worcester- Joan Therese Frende, 77, died on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Worcester on July 5, 1938 a daughter of the late Martin and Laura (Huntoon) Frende and has been a lifelong resident of the city. She attended Worcester Public Schools and graduated from Commerce High School in 1957. She went on to attend St. Vincent School of Nursing where she graduated in 1960 and began her 40 years career caring for the ill at St. Vincent Hospital.

Joan served her country in the United States Army Reserves where she earned the rank of Colonel where she oversaw Enlisted Military Nursing Personnel. Despite her active military career and her employment at St. Vincent's she found time to serve on the Board of Directors of the Lung Association of Central Massachusetts and was also a member of the Massachusetts Nursing Association. Her career at St. Vincent's was highlighted by some 20 years as the head nurse who was responsible for the St. Vincent Hospital Oncology, Self Care Unit and Same Day Surgery on 6 East, all of which she helped to open. During what free time she did have, Joan enjoyed candlepin bowling, traveling, reading, and good classical music.

She will be missed by her sister, Ann M. Violette of Worcester; two nephews, Steven Casey and his fianc%C3%A9 Penny Hill of Millbury and Mark Violette of East Brookfield; three nieces, Sandra McLean and her husband David of Northbridge, Cheryl White and her fianc%C3%A9 Christoper Gear of Worcester, Linda Katinas and her husband Paul of Worcester; 21 great nieces and nephews; 18 great- great nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her nephew Edward J. Casey, Jr.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to Sister Pat for her kindness and the Jewish Rehab Center and Hospice, Care with a Heart and Eden Healthcare for all of there wonderful care.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 22nd from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at the CALLAHAN-FAY & CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00AM on Tuesday, February 23rd at Sacred Heart- St. Catherine of Sweden Church, 596 Cambridge St., Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery.