Joan L. Maga

Joan Maga ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Nichols Funeral Home - Wilmington on Mar. 16, 2026.Joan L. Maga (Drinkwater), of Wilmington, a beloved wife, mother, Nana, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.Joan was born on May 26, 1938, in Melrose, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late John Drinkwater Jr. and Celia (Vardaro) Drinkwater. She was raised and educated in Wakefield, MA and a proud graduate of Wakefield High School. It was at that same high school that she met the "love of her life" Sheldon F. Maga; the couple married on October 20, 1956, and settled in Wilmington in 1959 where they raised a beautiful family.Family was the center of her world and her greatest pride and joy. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an incredibly proud Nana and great-grandmother also Known as Ma Maga to many. Her grandchildren often joked and debated over who Nana's favorite was something she never confirmed but clearly enjoyed keeping everyone guessing.Known for her warm heart and a bit of sass, she had a way of making everyone feel loved while also keeping family traditions alive. She believed strongly in showing up for the holidays, and if you missed Christmas, you could be certain you wouldn't be receiving a Christmas envelope that year.She showed her love through cooking and baking, making sure no one ever left her home hungry.Joan was also deeply devoted to her community and was proud to be one of the founders of the town's Fourth of July Committee, helping create a celebration that brings the community together year after year.Joan cherished many lifelong friendships. Her life was filled with laughter, loyalty, and love.She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.Joan was the beloved wife of 69 years to Sheldon F. Maga Sr., devoted mother of the late Sheldon F. Maga Jr., John Maga and his wife Susan of Harrison, ME, Steven Maga and his wife Betty of Billerica, Joanne Vultaggio and her husband Peter of Tewksbury, Judi Curcio-Hayes and her husband Charles Hayes of Wilmington, and the late Scott Maga and his wife Michelle of Billerica. Loving "Nana" of Sheldon F. Maga III and his fiancé Caitlin, Christopher Maga, Kyle Maga and his fiancé Angela, Corey Maga, Jacqueline Maga and her fiancé Chris, John Maga, Harrison Middleton and his wife Ashley, Hannah Loud and her husband Ed, Marianne Aprile and her husband Jonathan, Jannelle Van Alstine and her husband Steve, Katie Vultaggio, Michelle Stelmach and her husband Mike, Steven Maga, Bryan Maga and his wife Cede, Keri Berry and her husband Jon, Kristen Curcio, Kalli Savvas and her fiancé Jack, Scott Maga Jr. and his fiancé Marie, Andrew Maga and his wife Celina, Michael Maga, and "Nana Banana" to her great grandchildren Aison, Christopher, Austin, Brody, Brielle, Brandon, Brooklyn, Winry, Lincoln, Skyla, Braelyn, Madison, McKinley, Colton, Ty, Jace, Celia, Emily, Andy, Frankie, Lucia, and Scott III. Dear sister of Dennis Drinkwater and his wife Jacqueline of Magnolia, Debbie Doherty and her husband Patrick of Wakefield, and the late John Drinkwater III. Joan is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Friday, March 20th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, March 21st at 10:30 a.m. followed by her interment in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.In lieu of flowers, Joan would ask that donations be made to the towns Fourth of July committee in her honor continuing the "Fun on the Fourth" celebration she helped bring to the community. Donations may be sent to: Wilmington Fourth of July Committee, 14 School St., Wilmington, MA 01887.To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.comTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.