Joanna (Winiarski) MacDonald

Attleboro - Joanna (Winiarski) MacDonald, known to all as Joanna, passed away peacefully at her home in Attleboro, Massachusetts, on Sunday June 14, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on April 22, 1950, in Providence, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ethel (Leonard) Winiarski. Joanna grew up with a strong sense of family and connection that remained at the center of her life throughout the years. She carried herself with warmth, humor, and quiet strength, and those who knew her best will remember her as loving, funny, and generous.

Joanna was the devoted wife of Kenneth MacDonald, and they shared more than 43 years of marriage filled with love, companionship, and mutual devotion. Together they built a life rooted in family, loyalty, and everyday joys. She was the proud mother of Eric MacDonald of Dover, New Hampshire, Ashley MacDonald of Pawtucket, and Chelsea MacDonald of Tiverton. She is also survived by her sisters, Susan Verrecchia of Providence and Carol (Winiarski) Foldes of North Providence, as well as four nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Leonard “Lenny” Winiarski.

Joanna spent over 15 years working in the Data Processing Department for Puritan Life Insurance Company, where she was respected for her reliability, dedication, and strong work ethic. She lived in Attleboro for more than 36 years, having previously lived in Coventry and Cumberland. Over the years, Attleboro became home in every sense of the word, and she formed lasting ties within the neighborhood. She had been a parishioner of (the former) St. Mary’s in Seekonk, where her faith and presence were appreciated by those around her.

In her younger years, Joanna loved shopping, nice cars, and spending time with friends, many of whom remained close to her throughout her life. She treasured those friendships and the laughter and companionship they brought her. She had a vibrant spirit and a gift for making ordinary moments feel special. Her family and friends will always remember her as someone who brought energy and personality into every room she entered.

Joanna was a fighter and a resilient woman who faced life’s challenges with remarkable courage. She endured four cancer diagnoses over the course of her life and never wanted anyone to worry about her. Even in difficult times, she met each day with determination and grace. Her strength was an inspiration to her family, and her ability to keep going, even when the road was hard, reflected the depth of her character.

She found joy in gardening, Zumba classes, baking, decorating for Christmas, and listening to classic rock. Music was a constant part of her life, and she was often putting songs on and playing music videos on the television. She would sometimes dance and, in doing so, delight and occasionally embarrass her children, a memory they will cherish forever. She also loved dachshunds and adored her two grand-dogs, Archie and Izzy, who brought her great happiness.

Joanna will be remembered for her loving heart, her sense of humor, her generosity, and the steadfast way she cared for the people she loved. Her family and friends will hold close the many memories of her kindness, her laughter, and her enduring spirit. Though she is no longer with them, the love she gave so freely will remain a lasting part of their lives.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday June 27,2026 at 8:30am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME,901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Francis Xavier Church,81 North Carpenter Street East Providence.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are Friday from 4:00pm-7:00pm in the funeral home.   Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Hope Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI , 02904.

www.rebellofuneralhomes.com.

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