Joan R. (Orszulak) Zawalick

Joan R. (Orszulak) Zawalick, 89, of Florence, passed away peacefully at home on Friday July 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Three Rivers on October 16, 1936, to the late Sylvester and Helen (Rusek) Orszulak Sr. She graduated from Palmer High School and went on to pursue nursing at the Westfield State Sanatorium School of Nursing, now known as Western Massachusetts Hospital. After earning her license as a Practical Nurse, she worked alongside Dr. Harry Anton at Wing Memorial Hospital. Joan was a devout Catholic who generously shared her faith and time with her parish community. She was a communicant of Our Lady of the Valley in Easthampton, and for many years she taught CCD at the former St. John Cantius Church in Northampton and sang in the church choir. She found joy in tending her beautiful flower garden and spending time with her family. As a message of hope to all who loved her, she offered these words: “Do not cry, for I’m going to see Jesus and Mary. Thank you for being here.” Joan is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Paul S. Zawalick of Florence, her son Stanley Zawalick of Florence, her daughter, Andrea Smith and her husband Jeffrey of Conway, grandchildren, Jacob, Andrew and his wife Rachel and Matthew Smith, Sarah LaPointe and her husband Josh, Michael, Julia, and Daniel Zawalick, her great grandchildren, Raylee and Addison Smith and Jensen LaPointe, her brothers, Sylvester Orszulak Jr. and his wife Irene of Ware, Frederick Orszulak and his wife Barbara of Three Rivers, sister in law Christine Barbuto and her husband Rocco, and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents Sylvester and Helen, she was predeceased by her sons, Kenneth and Timothy, and her sisters, Florence Kiszka and Cecilia Lavoie. Her funeral will be held Saturday August 8, 2026, at 9:15 AM. at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME, 120 Damon Road, Northampton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 33 Adams St., Easthampton. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Easthampton. Calling hours are Friday August 7, 2026, from 5 PM to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to, Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 33 Adams St., Easthampton, MA 01027. For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

Joan R. (Orszulak) Zawalick

October 16, 1936 - July 31, 2026