Joanne Michelle (Bua) Artiano

Joanne Michelle Bua was born in Boston in 1940 to Stella and Angelo Bua. From the very beginning, Joanne radiated warmth, joy, and a deep love for life. She was a thoughtful, creative soul with a kind laugh and a generous heart. Music, art, decorating, and beauty in all its forms brought her endless delight.

Joanne grew up in East Boston, the eldest sister to Dominic and Barbara. From a young age, she embraced her role as a caregiver, lovingly looking after her younger sister and taking her on adventures throughout Boston, always excited to experience something new together.

Joanne began her career at The New England Trust Company, where she met her lifelong best friend, Barbara. Their friendship became one of the great joys of her life. Together, they traveled to places like California, Hawaii and Italy, sharing laughter and unforgettable memories. They remained close throughout their lives, talking on the phone most days. Joanne often said that no one could make her laugh quite like Barbara and laughter was one of Joanne’s greatest joys.

Joanne met Ed Artiano on a blind date and was immediately intrigued by his adventurous spirit. When he arrived on a motorcycle for their second date, she instantly knew he was the partner for her. They married in 1966 and spent their early years traveling throughout Europe together via motorcycle, building a life filled with stories, curiosity, and shared wonder.

Eventually, they settled in Saugus, then Byfield, and later Wakefield, where they raised their two children, David and Alyssa. Joanne adored being a mother and made her children feel unconditionally loved and supported every single day. She never missed an opportunity to tell them how much she loved them, and her encouragement and affection shaped them deeply. She made comfortable and warm homes for her family including their vacation house in Maine.

Later in life, Joanne earned her associate degree in gerontology and became a Program Manager at Winchester Hospital. She found profound purpose in working with the elderly, who were drawn to her warmth, humor, and joyful presence. She had a rare ability to make people feel seen, valued, cared for and to get them to sing. She loved forming friendships and was always making new ones.

Joanne was a true original. She embraced life fully and loved being the supportive partner on Ed’s many adventures. She had a deep love for animals and cared wholeheartedly for her many pets. She expressed her love through cooking, nourishing her family with meals made with love. She loved to read, sing, watch movies, paint, dance, and create joy wherever she went.

She found beauty in ordinary moments, eclectic art, jewelry, her beloved gardens, and the quiet peace of nature. Joanne had a remarkable gift for contentment and could find joy and serenity in even the simplest surroundings.

In retirement, Joanne and Ed settled in Salisbury, Massachusetts. There, she formed a wonderful circle of friends at the Newburyport YMCA, a special group of women who laughed, swam, and celebrated life together. Joanne and Ed continued traveling, visiting Seattle, Mexico and Costa Rica, and savoring life’s pleasures.

Joanne had an extraordinary sense of humor and a deep love of laughter. She met life’s challenges with strength, grace, and resilience. She filled her family’s home with light, joy, and songs, delighting everyone with her authenticity and playful spirit.

Joanne was a beacon of love, humor, and light. She passed away on December 14, 2025, leaving behind a world that is less colorful without her. All who knew her will carry her laughter, kindness, and radiant love in their hearts forever.