Joyce A. Nass

Joyce Anne Nass, 92, of Southbridge, died on December 26th, at Webster Manor after fighting a battle of dementia. She was predeceased by her son, William Nass who died in 2017, and her husband, Donald W. Nass in 2008.

She leaves a daughter, Margaret “Peg” Whitney and her husband, Richard “Dick” of Southbridge; four grandchildren, Christopher Whitney and fiancé, Gabe of Webster, Erica Whitney Jajliardo of Southbridge, Andrew Nass and wife Robbie of Uxbridge and Sara Nass and husband, Curtis of Richmond, VA. Also, she leaves two Great-Grandchildren: Nolan Jajliardo and Mattie Nass.

Joyce (Bailey) Nass was born in Milford, MA in 1931, daughter of the late Samuel W. and Ruth (Herrick) Bailey of Upton, MA. She graduated from the former Grafton High School in 1949 and the Milford Hospital School of Nursing in 1952. She lived in Hopedale and Upton before moving to Southbridge after her graduation in 1953.

Mrs. Nass worked at Harrington Memorial Hospital as a Registered Nurse for 27 years. Later in life, she also worked part time as an RN at the Adult Day Care Center in Southbridge. She was an active member and former trustee of the United Methodist Church in Southbridge and was an auxiliary member of her husband’s WWII China, Burma, India Veterans Association of the Worcester Basha. Most of all, she enjoyed time with her family, while her children were growing up; they camped many weekends & vacations all down the east coast.

Prior to her children, Mrs. Nass had open heart surgery in 1953 in Boston, MA. She was nearly the first patient that had this procedure performed in the area.

As an avid Red Sox fan (learning the sport from her husband), she attended many spring training games in Florida during their traveling days after retiring along with other sites including Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and Europe. She also enjoyed going to the YMCA and playing Bridge with her friends. A special memory of the family is lengthy phone conversations (usually 1 hour) and her playing cards with her Children and Grandchildren.

A service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 5, 2024, in the Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Upton.

There are no calling hours.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Webster Manor Nursing Home for their outstanding care given to Joyce for several years. We are also indebted to the several caregivers who helped keep her in her home for several years prior to moving to Webster Manor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association; 2 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701.