Josephine Mary Pannell

Josephine Mary Pannell, of Mattapoisett, died peacefully in her home on May 21, 2020 in the company of her family at the age of 92. Jo was born in London, England on December 10, 1927, the daughter of Ann Margaret and John Lyons. Raised in Essex with her siblings Maureen, Michael and Patrick, she grew up during WW II and shared many stories told through childhood eyes of bombings, air raid shelters, shortages and soldiers, all of which were exciting to a young teen age girl. Jo married Peter Pannell in 1949 and they emigrated to Port Washington, Long Island, NY and began their own family. She was the beloved mother of Mary, John, Elizabeth, Victoria and Alexandra. She was the beloved mother-in-law to John, Marjorie, James, Albert and Stephen. In 1974 Jo relocated to Mattapoisett, MA and embraced the town with the same sense of community and volunteerism that had always been a part of her life. She was a long time advocate of Girl Scouting, Friends of the Library, Mattapoisett Historical Commission, Brick Memorial Park and the Council on Aging along with her dear friend Bette Roberts. Jo was honored as The Standard Times 2016 Mattapoisett Woman of the Year. She was an active member and lector at St. Anthony’s RC Church and sang with abundant enthusiasm in the church choir and Sippican Coral Society. Jo worked for 15 years at Endeco in Marion, MA. Her greatest delight was her extensive family in England which she visited often and the large network of grandchildren in America. She was the beloved grandmother to Michaela, Patrick, Kathleen, Peter, James, John Robert, Emily, Miles, Shawn, Graham, Daniel, Charlotte and Simon and great grandmother to nine great grandchildren. She never forgot a birthday card or gift and was willing to create a sweater, scarf, pecan pie or “grandpa’s stew” for any occasion. She was loved and will be heartfully missed by all that knew and enjoyed her warmth and company.

            A memorial service will be held at a later date to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, Donations in Josephine’s name can be made to The Friends of the Mattapoisett Free Library, P.O Box 1146 Mattapoisett, MA 02739. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online guestbook. please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.