Joanne Blank Upton

age 79, of Cambridge, MA, December 2, 2015.  Devoted wife of W. Robin Upton for 55 years.  Loving mother of Andrew and his wife Alison Mitchell of Somerville, MA and Susan and her husband Peter Buttenwieser of New York, NY.  Delighted and adoring grandmother of Zachary, Annabelle, Charlotte, Katherine and Sophie.  Loyal sister of Libby, Rachel, Marsha, Judith and Matthew.  Also survived by her extended family and many dear friends.

Joanne was raised in Brookline and graduated from Barnard College.  After college, she taught elementary school.  When her children were young, she returned to school and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston College.  She practiced social work at the Cambridge Guidance Center and with private clients for over forty years. In her work with young and at-risk families and in her extensive practice, she was a persistent advocate for those in need.

Joanne loved music, literature, travel and progressive causes, but was happiest spending time with her family and friends.  She relished the connections she made with so many different people throughout all phases of her life.

A service will be held in Bigelow Chapel at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge on Friday, December 4, 2015 at 1 pm.  Visiting hours will be at her home from 4-7 pm on Friday afternoon.  In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Cardiology Services, Mount Auburn Hospital (Mount Auburn Hospital Development Office, 330 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138).