Obituary for Joan "Joni" Morris (Costello)
Of Waltham, passed away peacefully Friday, March 25, 2022, in Newton - Wellesley Hospital at the age of 76.
Born on May 26, 1945 in Roxbury; daughter of the John J. Costello and Gladys M. (Hamel) Costello. Joan was raised in the Dorchester section of Boston and moved to Waltham after her marriage 52 years ago.
A graduate of Cardinal Cushing High School in South Boston with the Class of 1963; Joni furthered her education at Mass College of Art in Boston graduating with her Bachelors degree and went on to receive her Master's degree from Cambridge College.
Joni had an incredible and unique talent for fashion and design. She spent her entire career in the fashion and design industry. She began her career at the House of Bianchi on Boston as a Designer of Bride's maids and young formal gowns from 1967 - 1971. For a period of time, Joan established a children's clothing line.
Her love for fashion led her to teaching; she became part of the Fashion Design Faculty at Newbury College from September 1985 through August 2000. While there she taught Fashion, Interior, and Graphic Design courses. Courses included all levels of pattern making, draping, design principles, tailoring, drawing, fashion drawing, and color and design. Later Joan became Assistant Professor of Fashion at Mount Ida College and Lasell College from September 2000 for 21 years until her health declined.
A Breast Cancer survivor herself, Joni always felt uncomfortable while having a mammogram in the hospital "Johnny" gown; so Joni designed a "Joanie" for women to feel more comfortable during exams.
In 2011, Joni received the Pursuit Of Purpose Award from The Duplessy Foundation, for her significant contribution to society through the Arts.
Joni had many different hobbies and interests including golfing and skiing. Joni spent many years going skiing while spending at their condo in Lincoln, New Hampshire. When at home she spent most of her time tending to her garden, especially her tomato plants.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years Bruce H. Morris; her loving granddaughter Beth; adoring great grandson Richard; her dear brother John S. "Jack" Costello of Las Vegas, NV; her niece Amy and her nephew Scott.
She was predeceased by her stepson Bruce H. Morris Jr. and grandson Justin Morris.
Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Joni's life and remember the love and friendship she shared with others at a Funeral Service in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Wednesday morning March 30th at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham.
Those who wish to pay their respects to Joan and her family can do so in the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Tuesday, March 29th from 3 pm until 7 pm. For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joan's memory to The American Lung Association.
Born on May 26, 1945 in Roxbury; daughter of the John J. Costello and Gladys M. (Hamel) Costello. Joan was raised in the Dorchester section of Boston and moved to Waltham after her marriage 52 years ago.
A graduate of Cardinal Cushing High School in South Boston with the Class of 1963; Joni furthered her education at Mass College of Art in Boston graduating with her Bachelors degree and went on to receive her Master's degree from Cambridge College.
Joni had an incredible and unique talent for fashion and design. She spent her entire career in the fashion and design industry. She began her career at the House of Bianchi on Boston as a Designer of Bride's maids and young formal gowns from 1967 - 1971. For a period of time, Joan established a children's clothing line.
Her love for fashion led her to teaching; she became part of the Fashion Design Faculty at Newbury College from September 1985 through August 2000. While there she taught Fashion, Interior, and Graphic Design courses. Courses included all levels of pattern making, draping, design principles, tailoring, drawing, fashion drawing, and color and design. Later Joan became Assistant Professor of Fashion at Mount Ida College and Lasell College from September 2000 for 21 years until her health declined.
A Breast Cancer survivor herself, Joni always felt uncomfortable while having a mammogram in the hospital "Johnny" gown; so Joni designed a "Joanie" for women to feel more comfortable during exams.
In 2011, Joni received the Pursuit Of Purpose Award from The Duplessy Foundation, for her significant contribution to society through the Arts.
Joni had many different hobbies and interests including golfing and skiing. Joni spent many years going skiing while spending at their condo in Lincoln, New Hampshire. When at home she spent most of her time tending to her garden, especially her tomato plants.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years Bruce H. Morris; her loving granddaughter Beth; adoring great grandson Richard; her dear brother John S. "Jack" Costello of Las Vegas, NV; her niece Amy and her nephew Scott.
She was predeceased by her stepson Bruce H. Morris Jr. and grandson Justin Morris.
Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Joni's life and remember the love and friendship she shared with others at a Funeral Service in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Wednesday morning March 30th at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham.
Those who wish to pay their respects to Joan and her family can do so in the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Tuesday, March 29th from 3 pm until 7 pm. For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joan's memory to The American Lung Association.