Joan (Ricca) Cuddy, 95, longtime resident of Ashland and Boynton Beach, Florida passed away peacefully in her sleep. Joan was her wonderfully vibrant and feisty self to the end. Born in Naples, Italy, Joan was the daughter of the late Alfredo and Louisa (Quaranta) Ricca. She was the loving wife of the late Thomas J Cuddy Jr. who died in 1997.

Joan was an icon in the Real Estate industry and founded what is known today as MetroWest's Oldest Established Real Estate Firm, Tom & Joan Cuddy Real Estate, which she was actively involved with until her retirement in 2005. When Joan first became a Realtor, she discovered the industry was male-dominated. She knew, however, that the main decision makers in buying a home were women. As a result, she built a large, multi-office organization comprised mostly of women. She also served as a mentor to many Realtors and Real Estate firms and established herself as a powerhouse in the field.

Her style of advertising and marketing was unprecedented, and her creativity led to the creation of the company brand/logo. On a big red heart, the company name was hugged on either side by the slogans, "The Real Estate People with a Heart" and "With a Little Bit of Love".

Joan genuinely loved her family, friends and many that came to know her over the years. Always cooking and entertaining, her gardens brought her joy, and she was known as the Queen of Bling and was a true Fashionista. She was a nominee for the MetroWest Businesswoman of the Year, served her community with the Framingham Woman's League, March of Dimes, several committees that supported Framingham Union Hospital, and she was also one of the oldest participating members of the Framingham Heart Study.

Mrs. Cuddy is survived by her children; Thomas Cuddy III of Ashland, Alfred Cuddy of Taunton, the late Brian Cuddy and his wife Paula of Milford, and Matt Cuddy and his wife Cathy of Framingham, eight grandchildren, TJ and his wife Morgana, Sean, Brianna, Matt, Catherine, Cassandra, Benjamin, Jack, and Great Grandchildren William and Nora. Former daughter in-law Pam (Cuddy) Brietfelder and sister-in-law, Diane Manion, and dozens of nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Sat. Feb. 17th at 10:30am in St. Cecilia's Parish, 54 Esty St. Ashland, MA. Visiting hours will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA.