Born in Boston, Joan was a graduate of Bridgewater State Teachers’ College and earned her Master’s Degree in Education at Boston University. She was a decades-long teacher in the Norwood Public School system. She specialized in helping students learn and succeed in reading. An expert in phonetics and speech, her students were innovatively guided by her creativity, her use of original exhibits, and wonderful stories often featuring award-winning children’s authors. Joan also inspired with her use of art and music in stimulating her students to overcome individual challenges. Her colleagues remembered her at her retirement for her fashion flair, her individuality, and her loyalty. She retired to Medfield, MA where she resided for the last thirty years.
She was the daughter of the late Josephine M. Russo and Clarence E. Rand, sister to the late John J. Rand, and ex-wife to the late Michael A. Giardello, Sr. She is survived by her daughter Michele G. Sdougas and son-in-law Demetre I. Sdougas of Boston; her son, Michael A. Giardello, Jr., PhD, Michael’s wife, Amy, and her grandchildren Edward, Robert and Margaret of Pasadena, CA. She also leaves many beloved first and second cousins and former colleagues.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday., April 30th from 11 a.m. to noon at Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St., West Roxbury. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will be private.
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