Joan Donata Leone

Wakefield- Joan Donata Leone., a lifelong Wakefield resident, died Tuesday, January 13, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born on February 1, 1943, in Boston, MA to the late John E. and Jennie J. (Caruso) Carney. She was predeceased by her late husband, Franklin C. Leone. Raised in Wakefield, she was a 1960 WHS graduate. She retired as a Human Resources Specialist from the Social Security Administration Regional Office in Boston after 36 years. 

She leaves her two beloved sons, Franklin Leone Jr. and his wife Wendy and Michael Leone of Wakefield and her cherished grandchildren, Maggie and Frankie Leone, who lit her up her life with love, joy, laughter, and made her so proud. She was an avid Boston sports fan, but most of all she adored watching her children and grandchildren play the sports they loved. She could be seen cheering them on from the sideline whether it was at soccer, hockey, baseball, football or track. Joan was fiercely independent and was passionate about art and music. She loved to paint, sketch, read, listen to music, and travel. Joan loved the beach and could always be seen walking along the shore, sitting in the sun reading a good mystery book, or going to Essex to enjoy a fresh lobster. 

She was the loving sister of Patricia and her husband Bud Cruciani of West Peabody, John Carney and his wife Beverly of Wakefield, and Kevin Carney and his wife Cheryl of North Reading. She was predeceased by her beloved brother Philip J. Carney. She was so happy to have a family that always shared their holidays and celebrations with each other. She also leaves many nieces and nephews; Lauren, Mark, Chris, Nick, Mackanie, Heather, Samantha, Michael, Jenny, Lindsay, Jess, Nick Jr., Lexi, and the entire Reilly family, who were all very special in her life. 

A visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Monday January 19, 2026 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Florence Church/Lazarus Center for Healing Shrine, 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Joan’s name to the Wakefield Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1624 in Wakefield, MA 01880.