Joan P. Busch

NORTHBOROUGH

Joan Phyllis Busch, 82, peacefully passed from this life and into the next chapter of her journey during the evening hours of Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Joan was born in Utica, New York, the daughter of the late Albert and Charlotte (Levitt) Wolfe. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy prior to studying at Potsdam State Teacher’s College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

On July 2, 1967, Joan married David S. Busch. The young couple settled in Massachusetts, first making their home in Marlborough before moving to Northborough, where Joan would remain for the next 57 years. In their earlier years together, Joan and David enjoyed traveling, particularly making memories exploring Europe.

Joan began her professional life as a fourth-grade teacher, a role well suited to her love of children and learning. When she began raising a family of her own, Joan devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children, creating a home filled with the necessities of life, laughter, family time and most importantly, love.

Affectionately known as “Joanie” to her brothers and “Nonni” to her beloved grandchildren, Joan had a personality all her own. She possessed a genuine curiosity about others and delighted in learning about their lives. Never one to shy away from a question, Joan had a charmingly direct way of getting to know someone, often learning everything she wanted to know in a matter of minutes. Her interest in people was sincere, and her conversations never dull.

An accomplished pianist, Joan held a lifelong appreciation for music. It brought her great happiness to see that same love of music carried on through her grandchildren. With a wonderful personality and sense of humor, her silly, made-up words, amusing songs and lighthearted antics became treasured memories that her grandchildren will forever associate with their Nonni. In her later years, Joan was blessed to have her grandchildren return the love by playing for her.

Joan found enjoyment in the familiar comforts of everyday life. She was a faithful follower of her favorite soap operas, particularly As the World Turns and The Young and the Restless, and rarely missed an opportunity to play along with the contestants on The Price Is Right. She enjoyed holidays with her family. Halloween was her favorite.

Above all, Joan cherished her family. Whether through music, laughter, a curious question or a silly song, she had her own special way of connecting with those she loved. Her family will remember her with great affection, grateful for the countless little moments and unmistakable personality that made Joanie and Nonni so very special.

Joan leaves her four children, Steven Busch and his wife Trudy of Great Wakering-Essex County in the United Kingdom, Jennifer Savoie and her husband Jeff of Westborough, Deborah LaValle of Clinton, and Emily Tilson and her husband Richard- also of Clinton; her nine beloved grandchildren, Molly Busch, Seth Busch, Lauren Savoie, Brayden Savoie, J. Chandler LaValle, Nina LaValle, Gabriel Jones, Rowan “Max” Tilson and Elliot Tilson. She also leaves her two brothers, Robert Wolfe and his wife Jane, and Donald Wolfe- all who reside in Syracuse, NY; as well as three nephews, David, Samuel and Charles Wolfe. She was preceded in death by her husband David in 2006.

Joan will be laid to rest following a private graveside service. There are no calling hours. In honor of Joan’s lifelong love of reading and her appreciation for childhood learning, her family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, online at https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/ or by mail to The Dollywood Foundation, C/O Finance Department, 111 E. Main Street, 2nd Floor, Sevierville, TN 37862. Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Joan P. Busch.

Arrangements have been under the care and guidance of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.