M. Joanne (Medeiros) Fernandes, formerly McGuiness, 67 of Fall River, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 after courageously battling a long illness. Born in Fall River, daughter of Mary (Roies) Medeiros of Fall River and the late Antone Medeiros. Joanne attended Mount Saint Mary High School and went on to graduate from Bridgewater State College in 1963, where she also received her Master's Degree. She was a teacher at Laurel Lake Elementary School from 1963 to 1979, and was a principal at both the Westall Elementary School from 1980 to 1991, and at the Spencer Borden Elementary School from 1992 to 2001. She served as the former president for the Delta Kappa Gamma- Beta Chapter; volunteered for the BCC Fall River Adult Basic Education Program and attended classes at The Second Half Learning of UMASS Dartmouth; was a former member on the Board of Directors of the Fall River Symphony and was a proud recipient of both the Fall River Public Schools Recognition Award and the Herald News "Golden Apple". A communicant of the Holy Trinity Parish, she was formerly a parishioner at St. William's Church. Survivors include a son, Matthew L. Fernandes and his wife Jodie (Zukowski) Fernandes of Somerset, brothers, Charles Medeiros and Michael Medeiros both of Fall River, Paul Medeiros of Brimfield, MA, and John Medeiros of Keyport, NJ, grandson, Anthony John Fernandes, her Lhaso Apso, Molly, many nieces and nephews and countless beloved friends. Funeral was held on Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 in Holy Trinity Parish Church. She was honored with a delegation of principals representing the Fall River Public Elementary Schools and students representing the Holy Trinity School. Pallbearers were Charles, Paul, Mike, John and Mark Medeiros and Matthew Fernandes. Interment was in Notre Dame Cemetery. Memorial Donations can be made to the M. Joanne Fernandes Scholarship Fund, PO Box 42, Somerset, MA 02726