Joan Donahoe died Sunday, December 8, 2024.

Joan (Seery) Donahoe was born on December 21, 1938, to proud parents Charles and Marjorie Seery in Newton, MA. Her family later moved to Needham, MA, where Joan graduated from Needham High School. While attending Chandler Secretarial School, she met the love of her life, John “Jack” Donahoe. The two married in 1961 and built a beautiful life together, eventually settling in Canton, MA, where they raised their family.

Joan was a purveyor of good times. She and Jack shared a love of golf, skiing, traveling, and spending time with their large circle of friends and family. Whether skiing the slopes of Loon Mountain or perfecting her short game at Milton Hoosic Club and later at New Seabury Country Club, Joan was known for her friendly smile, easy laugh, and warm presence.

Summers were especially cherished at the family’s Cape Cod home, where Joan hosted countless gatherings, from member-guest golf tournaments to impromptu evenings with her dear friends. Her 18 grandchildren, however, were always her favorite guests. She delighted in creating special memories with them, and no summer was complete without the Fourth of July lobster bake, trips to Smitty’s Ice Cream and carefree days by the water. In later years, Joan and Jack traded their skis for the warm winters of Marco Island, FL, where they continued to enjoy life to the fullest.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, her sister Carol, and her beloved husband, Jack, who passed away in 2011. She leaves behind a legacy of love and joy through her family: her four children and their spouses, Deb Littlefield and her husband Bob; John Donahoe and his wife Ann; Kevin Donahoe and his wife Erin; and Beth Rooney and her husband Larry. Joan’s 18 grandchildren will forever carry her love in their hearts, each feeling as though they were her favorite: Kelley Wedel (Johannes), David (Taylor), Paul (Hannah), and Jimmy Littlefield; Ashley Almendinger (Brian), Courtney, Jackie, Ryan, Lyndsey, and Derek Donahoe; Caitlin, Michael, Jake, and Tyler Donahoe; and Colin, Chris, Tommy, and Grace Rooney. She also leaves 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Joan had a rare gift for making everyone feel special and for teaching us all how to embrace life with joy and gratitude. Her warmth, love, and laughter will be deeply missed but forever treasured.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, December 13, in Our of Visitation Parish, St. Elizabeth's Church at 10 o'clock. Visiting Hours Thursday, December 12, at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, 4-7 pm. Interment Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, all donations can be made to Catholic Charities of Boston