Joan "Carol" (Sarni) Lava, age 71, longtime resident of Melrose, passed away at the Oosterman Rest Home in Wakefield on Feb. 24, 2017. Carol was born & raised in Chelsea and a graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of 1963. She enjoyed traveling to Florida, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Colorado and the Grand Canyon. Carol worked as a working supervisor for the Bank of America for many years. She loved family gatherings and her family was the most important part of her life. Carol was the beloved wife of John J. Lava, Jr. for 51 years. Loving mother of John P. Lava & his wife Marisa of N. Reading, Michael D. Lava and Susan M. Lava, both of Melrose. Cherished grandmother of Sarah, Brian, Nicholas, Isabella, Mia and Christian. Proud great grandmother of Jaxon. Devoted daughter of the late Pasquale & Joan (Joyokonis) Sarni. Caring sister of Patricia Rogers of Brockton and the late Charles J. Sarni. Adored aunt of numerous nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Sunday, Feb. 26th from 2-6PM. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Monday, Feb. 27th at 9:30AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose at 10:30AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Assoc., 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.