Joann Own

STERLING - Joann K. Drown, 81, of Sterling, passed away peacefully at her home after a long illness, with her loving family by her side on Monday, February 12, 2024. Born in Paxton, Joann was the daughter of Rosamond Wykes and Roland Hanson and lived over 60 years in Sterling.

Joann graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1960. At the age of 22, Joann married the love of her life, Jeffrey B. Drown of Holden, they were married 52 years. They lived briefly in Worcester and later moved to Sterling where they remained and raised their two daughters Arlene and Kristen.

Joann began her career the 1970's at the Sterling Public Library, which spanned over 30 years.

Before Joann had children, she loved watching her husband play the saxophone when he was in a band. Joann loved knitting and crocheting and was an avid reader and green thumb. Her greatest pleasure was her garden, which was once captured by a photographer who stopped to take a picture and printed it in the Landmark.

In her retirement, Joann and Jeff started an antique business, jjantiques, where they sold clocks, radios and fine china. Joann loved going to yard sales and flea markets to find items to sell on eBay.

Joann loved Sterling and its history. She was a member of the Historical Society as well as the 1835 Town Hall Committee and recorded minutes for the committee. Joann was fond of animals, particularly cats and dogs. First and foremost, Joann was a devoted mother and was proud of her daughters.

She leaves her daughters, Kristen B. Rey and her husband, David Rey of Lancaster, Massachusetts, and Arlene C. Drown of Sterling and Arthur Swanson; her cousin, David Hanson of Texas; and her beloved cat, Mazy.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joann's family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 17th, at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. A funeral service honoring her life will be held on Sunday, February 18th at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial at Hillside Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, Post Office Box 202, Franklin, MA 02038, for breast cancer research.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit her Tribute Wall on this page.