Joan E. (Grassetti) Lagunowich, 79, of Mattapoisett, formerly of Longmeadow, MA died November 29, 2025 peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
She was the beloved wife of Paul G. Lagunowich, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Springfield, MA, daughter of the late Venicio and Shirley (Green) Grassetti. She raised her family in Longmeadow, MA before moving to Mattapoisett thirteen years ago.
She was known by many names-Joan, Joannie, Mom, Grammie, and Auntie Joan. The oldest of Venicio and Shirley’s ten children, she grew up on Bartels Street in a house always filled with laughter, love, and delicious food.
Joan and Paul met in junior high school, where he was determined to win her heart. They married in 1968 and lived in Longmeadow for 40 years.
Joan graduated from Springfield Hospital School of Nursing, now Baystate Medical Center. She spent the majority of her nursing career working in Labor and Delivery. Joan cherished helping families welcome their babies into the world and was deeply honored whenever friends or relatives asked her to assist when their own little ones were due.
Family and especially her grandchildren were the center of Joan’s life. Some of her fondest memories came from large holiday gatherings at Woodlawn Place, where the house overflowed with joy, warmth, and laughter. Ogunquit Beach was her favorite place to relax with family and friends. She loved soaking up the sun and walking the Marginal Way at the “Beautiful Place by the Sea.”
Though Joan’s passing leaves an ache in the hearts of those she loved, her warmth, generosity, kindness and unwavering love will continue to guide her family. Her legacy lives on in our hearts.
Joan is survived by her husband Paul; daughter Kate Butler and her husband Todd of Mattapoisett; a son, Nick Lagunowich and his wife Elena of Chatham, NJ; her sister-in-law Jane Grassetti (Joseph Grassetti deceased) of Ludlow and 8 siblings, James Grassetti and his wife Debra of East Longmeadow, Jeffrey Grassetti and his wife Mary of Hampden, John Grassetti and his wife Gail of Mashpee, Jerry Grassetti and his wife Cheryl of East Longmeadow, Jack Vincent Grassetti and his wife Sheila of Longmeadow, Judy LaValle and her husband Gary, of East Longmeadow, Christopher Grassetti and his wife Lisa of Agawam and Charles Grassetti and his wife Ann of Gloucester; and her six grandchildren, Mary Clare, Sally and John Butler, Luke, John and Nicholas Lagunowich; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Joan will also miss the company of her brother-in-law John and sister-in-law Ellen Lagunowich, especially enjoying their favorite “Treasure Chest Lobster.”
Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 11:30 am in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Her family will receive guests on Saturday from 9:30-11:30 am prior to her service. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Joan Lagunowich may be made to My Brother’s Keeper, P.O. Box 70273, Dartmouth, MA 02747.
