"Bill, Jen and family, Sincerely saddened by your loss. Madeleine Pencak"
In loving memory of
Joanne R. West
March 7, 1941 - September 2, 2021
Joanne R. West, 80, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away on September 2, 2021 at Newport Hospital. She was the wife of William E. West.
Joanne was born in Providence to John and Jennie (Walaska) Pelosi. She graduated from Mt Pleasant High School in 1958 and RI College in 1962 with a BA in Education. She started her career as a teacher in Providence schools but soon found herself in the Middletown Public Schools. She retired after a rewarding career as a first grade teacher, at Kennedy, Oliphant, and Aquidneck Schools. She was a member of the Middletown Retired Teachers Association and a life member of the NEA. She was a parishioner at St. Barnabas Church upon moving to Portsmouth in 1972.
If there was one hobby that she had it was reading! She was a prolific lifelong reader. Joanne also enjoyed crossword puzzles and over the last few years practiced Tai Chi exercises as a member of the Portsmouth Senior Center. Watching football was her favorite weekend activity, both college football and her beloved New England Patriots games. Her skill at cooking was often the feature at football parties.
Joanne is survived by her husband of 57 years, William, her children; Jennifer West and Michael West, both of Portsmouth, Christopher West of West Palm Beach, FL, and William (Sly) and his wife Amy West of Los Angeles, CA and her grandson Sumner West. She was the oldest of six children and is survived by siblings Mary Jane Ciotti of North Providence, John Pelosi (Kathleen) of Cranston, Thomas Pelosi and Peter Pelosi, both of Providence, a sister in law Marie E. Boanton of Frederick, MD, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joanne is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Pelosi.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 8:30 - 9:45 AM in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM immediately following visiting hours. Her burial will take place at St. Columba Cemetery, Middletown, RI.
Memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Service, Home and Hospice, 1184 East Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Tributes
"Bill and Family, I'm so sorry or your loss of a great Wife and Mom. Sorry I cannot make it to the service. It was my pleasure to know Joanne and lucky to have spent time with you and her. Always in my thoughts. Marie Sweet"
"Bill and family - I was so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. I know that yours is a close family - not necessarily in distance, but in Love. I hope that the love your love and the memories of the good times you've shared help lessen the pain of this difficult time. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Missing her already - just knowing I can't pick up the phone and chat awhile. The kids and I pray that Bill, Michael, Christoper, Jennifer, "Sly," Amy, Sumner and the rest of the family keep the faith as Joanne would wish. She will always be with you."
"Bill and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Joanne was. a true friend, and we will miss her dearly. The enduring friendship between the West and Seveney families means so much to us, and we will keep Joanne and all of you, in our thoughts and prayers."
"Jen and family. So sorry for your loss. May she be your guardian angel and guide you all through this difficult time. "
"Dear family, , Joanne was one of the warmest, kindest people I know. She was bright, witty, and a true friend. She will not be forgotten. My condolences to her family. With sympathetic understanding of what Joanne?s loved ones are enduring through this time I send my love."
"I am so saddened to see this. Sending my deepest sympathy and love to all. Xoxo"