Norma Jean Joki

Norma Jean Joki of Stow and Concord passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 13th, 2026, at the age of 84. Norma was born on May 24, 1942, at Lucy Helen Memorial Hospital in Fitchburg to her parents, Wilho Reino and Ellen Irene Joki. She lived in Fitchburg, moving to Stow in 1946. She attended school in Stow, graduating from Hale High School in June of 1960 as the Valedictorian of her class. After graduation, Norma began working at Raytheon. She led a distinguished 45-year career at Raytheon, where she served with dedication as an executive secretary before her retirement in 2006.

Outside of her work life, Norma was a woman of diverse and rich passions. She possessed a lifelong love for reading. She spent countless hours studying the history of Concord. Norma also found great joy in knitting, creating beautiful baby blankets for all her nieces and nephews. Norma loved nature, especially birds and flowers. She held a special affection for the quiet wisdom of owls and a fondness for watching chickadees. She enjoyed scrapbooking in her retirement years. Norma also loved the holidays, seasonal decorating, crossword puzzles, word searches, shopping, and traveling. Norma enjoyed learning about her Finnish heritage. She took a course and learned some of the Finnish language and traditions. She was a true Finn with her Sisu; it was shown in her inner strength and determination. She attended the Mission Evangelical Congregational Church in Maynard; she had a strong faith, which helped her while she dealt with Diabetes, Ovarian Cancer, Heart Disease, and, in the last few years, Alzheimer’s.

Above all of her achievements and hobbies, Norma’s greatest joy was her family. She was loyal, constantly present, and could be found at the heart of every family event, birthdays, and holidays. Norma was a devoted daughter, sister, and aunt in her family. She was the 2nd daughter in the family of 6 children. She leaves behind her sisters, Virginia Ellen Tucker of O’Fallon, MO, and Donna (Muffy) May Corey (James Gary) of Boxborough, MA, and her brothers, Ronald Wilho Joki (Barbara) of Maynard, MA, and David Arnold Joki of Grafton, MA. She also leaves behind her 19 cherished nieces & nephews, who will always remember her love and support, as well as several great nieces and nephews. Norma was predeceased by her loving parents, Wilho and Ellen Joki, her sister, Sandra (Sandi) Irene Paquette, and her two brother-in-laws, Donald Tucker and Armand Paquette.

Norma spent the last few years, first at Nashoba Park Assisted Living in Ayer, MA, and then she spent her final 20 months of her life residing at the Life Care of Nashoba Valley Memory Support Unit (MSU) of Littleton, MA. Her family extends their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff at MSU who provided Norma with exceptional comfort, love, dignity, and compassionate care throughout her final days with them.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice. In honor of Norma Jean and her deep love she had for family, the family asks that you hold your loved ones a little tighter today, pick up the phone to call a relative, and remember to always take care of each other.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 4th from 9 am to 11 am. Her funeral service will follow at 11 am at Fowler Kennedy Funeral Home, 42 Concord Street, Maynard MA. Her final resting place will be at Glenwood Cemetery, Parker Street, Maynard, MA, alongside her sister, Sandi.