Joan Marilyn Stickley

Joan Marilyn (Forsythe) Stickley, 93, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Born on June 29, 1928 in Providence, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of the late Colonel Edward Chester Forsythe and Cecilia (O’Connell) Forsythe. She is also preceded in death by her brother, Paul Forsythe, sister Barbara (Forsythe) Byrne, husband Charles J. Stickley Jr. and son Stephen T. Stickley. She graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1946 and went on to attend and graduate from Rhode Island State College (URI) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time at State College, she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and an active member of the Rifle Club. Being the child of an Army Colonel, Joan moved around frequently. During World War II, the family moved to Fort Devens, MA, which had been designated a reception center for all men in New England who would serve one year as draftees. Upon graduation from State College in 1950, she began her long career as a medical lab technician at South County Hospital. Joan was a pioneer member of the newly established laboratory department in 1952 (photo to right). A second milestone in 1952 was that Joan married her husband Charlie of 63 years (10.13.52). They made their home in Wakefield just two blocks from the hospital. Her career at South County spanned 35 years. In retirement, Joan did not sit idle for long. She taught herself to use a computer at age 72 and began a wonderful journey into the world of flower gardening. Her gardens are something she worked tirelessly to maintain and improve each year, it became a passion for her. A member of St. Thomas More Church in Narragansett, her computer savvy allowed her to attend the “Mass on Livestream” when she became unable to attend mass in person. Surviving are her two daughters, Susan A. Wilcox and husband Gary and Barbara A. Somers and husband Donald; grandson, Steven Wilcox of Wesport, MA and his wife Theresa; and great grandchildren Molly and Zachary Wilcox. The Family would like to acknowledge and give sincere thanks to Hope Hospice and the amazing private caregivers for their compassion and unyielding care during Joan's illness. The family will forego formal visitations and hold a private graveside ceremony. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joan Marilyn Stickley to South County Hospital or the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.