Joan M. LaRocca, 70

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Joan (Bjornson) LaRocca, 70, passed away peacefully with family by her side on June 5, 2023.

Joan was born in Somerville, MA on September 15, 1952. A graduate of Malden Girls Catholic High School, she received a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University, a master’s degree in education from Lesley University, and a technology certificate from Marlboro College.

Joan worked as an administrative assistant at the WMNB radio station in North Adams. She then taught in the North Adams Public Schools for more than 30 years where she was beloved by her students and respected by her colleagues.

Joan was a devoted wife of husband Roger and a loving mother of her three children Elizabeth, Roger III (Alison), and Michael. She was a beloved grandmother of Roger IV and Rose, whose artwork adorns her kitchen walls. Joan was a loving sister to her siblings Mary Margaret, Barbara, Harold, and Michael.

Joan is survived by her husband Roger, her daughter Elizabeth, and her two sons Roger III, and Michael, as well as her two grandchildren Roger IV and Rose. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Margaret Winter and Barbara Bjornson, and her brother Harold Bjornson. She was preceded in death by her parents Harold Bjornson, Sr. and Mary Bjornson, and her brother Michael Bjornson.

A Memorial Mass for Joan is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, 70 Marshall St, North Adams, MA. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com