Joan Russell Meleleu

Joan Meleleu 1933-2009   Joan R. (Mahoney) Meleleu, 76, of Indian Orchard, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2009 in Mercy Medical Center.  Born in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield and a life long resident, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Bridget (Sullivan) Mahoney. Joan was a graduate of Cathedral High School.  She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  She loved her family dearly and provided a secure and loving home.  Joan was a communicant of the former St. Matthew's Church now St. Jude Church of Indian Orchard.  She was predeceased by her first husband, James F. Meleleu and by her second husband, Arthur Hiersche.  She was also predeceased by a brother, Donald Mahoney and by her sisters, Katherine Backus and Mary Backus.  She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Cynthia Matthieu and her husband Gerard of Palmer; her sons, David Meleleu and his wife Judy of Springfield; John Meleleu of Indian Orchard; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 4, 2010 at the Ratell Funeral Home 200 Main St., Indian Orchard from 4 to 7 p.m.  A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2010 in St. Jude Church, 221 Main St., Indian Orchard at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, Springfield.  Memorial contributions in Joan's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Centralized Memorial Processing Center, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA  01701-9376. For Guest Book:ratellfuneralhome.com Ratell Funeral Home (413) 543-3836