Pittsfield : Joan S. (Heywood) Hicks, 61, of Pittsfield, formerly of Westford and Sturbridge, passed away on Wednesday, May 27th.

She leaves her four brothers,  Edward W. "Ted" Heywood, Jr. and his wife Carole of Kingston Springs, TN, John P. Heywood and his wife Catherine of Northbrook, IL, , Joseph D. Heywood of Boston, and Christopher M. Heywood and his wife Christie of Katy, TX; her sixteen beloved nieces and nephews, Catherine A. Elsik, John P. Heywood, Jr., Joseph A. Heywood, Mary E. Jaros, Delaney A. Pruni, Thomas Casey Heywood, Christopher E. Heywood, Grace S. Heywood, Jane P. Heywood, Christopher M. Heywood, Jr., Anne E. Heywood, William A. Heywood, Robert E. Heywood, Katherine L. Heywood, Elizabeth J. Heywood and Mary Alexandra Heywood; her three aunts, Dorri Li of Independence, MO, Eleanor Norris of Ipswich and Sr. Rita Heywood, SND de N of Boston; and her uncles, James Mooney of Scituate and Yao Lee of Independence, MO. Joan was born in Boston, the daughter of late Edward W. Heywood Sr. and Joan S. (Igoe) Heywood.

Joan's elegant style brought a spark to every occasion.

Joan's early career in the hospitality industry helped build her already keen sense of refinement, and her attention to detail made her standout amongst guests and coworkers alike.
Her quiet passion for history and politics often found her deeply researching topics and sharing her point of view with confident enthusiasm.

She especially adored her 16 nieces and nephews, often relating their stories growing up with cherished memories of her own.

The latest arrivals to the family; her great nephew John Edward, and great nieces Catherine Agnes V, Regina Elizabeth and Elaine Faustina, will grow up hearing about great aunt Joan- sometimes the myth, but forever our legend.

A funeral Mass for Joan will be held on Friday, June 12th, at 11:00am in St. Joseph's Church, 10 H. Putnam Rd. Ext., Charlton.  Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery, West Roxbury, will be held at the convenience of the family.  A calling hour in the church will be held on Friday, June 12th, from 10:00 to 11:00am, prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Notre Dame Academy, 425 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA 01609.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.