Joyce E. (Lambert) DeMattia of Medford died on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. She was 85.
She was born and raised in Medford, the eldest daughter of Elbert and Ruth (Bazley) Lambert. Her working life came in three parts. For 20 years she was at Polaroid in the professional photographers’ division, and she also worked as an agent for Eastern Airlines; she chose the night shift at both so her days could go to her children. Then came nearly 30 years at Mac-Gray, the commercial laundry contractor, where she was a top salesperson with the awards to show for it. She retired in 2011.
Her faith was weekly and practical: prayer groups and the rosary. Her house was where the family gathered, with cards on the table and her sisters and friends around it, and her laugh carried through the rooms. She was quick, sarcastic and good company. She traveled widely, on cruises and overseas, and kept going back to Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta, Las Vegas and Florida. Fifteen years ago she faced lymphoma and came through it, which her family offers as proof of how strong-willed she was.
She was the wife of the late Nicholas A. DeMattia. She leaves her daughter Pamela DeMattia; her son Nicholas DeMattia Jr. and his wife Jodi; her grandchildren Addison, Audrey and Ava Durso, who called her Grammy; her sisters Barbara King and her husband Elmer and Virginia Maffeo; her sister-in-law Janice Lambert; and many nieces and nephews. Her brother Lawrence J. Lambert and her brother-in-law Ralph Maffeo died before her.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family Friday, November 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Clement Church, 71 Warner Street, Medford, and burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. In place of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Lymphoma, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.
Compiled from information published by Dello Russo Funeral Home. Photograph courtesy of the family via Dello Russo Funeral Home. This is our own summary, not the family’s obituary; read the full obituary and leave a condolence at the funeral home’s page on Legacy.com. Corrections: we will fix any error promptly.
