Joann Mary (LaTora) O'Brien

December 26, 1942 - September 26, 2024

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Obituary for Joann Mary (LaTora) O'Brien

Joann Mary O’Brien, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 26, 1942, Joann was a cherished "Christmas gift," the eldest child of John and Alba LaTora of Dorchester. She grew up in Saint Peter’s Parish and attended Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School. During this time, she was invited to a dance by a young man from Columbus High School, William J. O’Brien, who would become the love of her life. They married on August 1, 1964.

Joann and Bill began their life together in a home on Pleasant Street in Braintree, MA, where they welcomed three children—William Jr., Diane, and Timothy—before moving to Elliot Avenue in Quincy and celebrating the birth of their fourth child, Mark. They raised their family in North Quincy, eventually settling on Adams Street in Quincy, where they lived until Bill’s passing in 2017.

Joann dedicated herself to being a homemaker during her children’s younger years, hosting holidays, welcoming neighbors, and always making sure the house was filled with food and love. The O’Brien home was a place where you could always count on finding a warm meal—whether it was chicken cutlets or freshly baked brownies for her children and their friends. Later, Joann found a position she truly loved at Dr. Hemady’s Allergy Clinic, where she worked for 20 years. Her job brought her joy as it allowed her to help others.

Joann and Bill took great pride in watching their children grow, play sports, further their education, marry, and start families of their own. William Jr. married Christine Mulvey (of Quincy), Diane married Eric Brooks (of Richmond, NH), Tim married Lesley Bolick (of Framingham), and Mark married Jennifer Mercadante (of Medfield). Joann’s greatest joy in life, however, was being a grandmother to her beloved grandchildren: Devin O’Brien, Jared Brooks, William O’Brien III, Ryan Brooks, Kelly O’Brien, Dennis Brooks, Mark O’Brien Jr., Erin O’Brien, Sean O’Brien, Lily O’Brien, Jason Brooks, Christopher O’Brien, Rebecca Brooks, and Kevin O’Brien.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Joann is survived by her brother John LaTora and his wife Nancy of Hanson, her brother-in-law Norton O’Brien Jr., and her niece Maria Santiago, along with her husband Humberto and their two daughters, Julianna and Ella.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joann’s life at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, East Milton Square, on Wednesday, October 2, from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Agatha Church, 432 Adams Street, East Milton, on Thursday, October 3, at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at Pine Hill Cemetery, Quincy.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joann’s memory may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Services

2 Oct

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
3 Oct

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
3 Oct

Interment

11:30 AM

Pine Hill Cemetery 815 Willard Street Quincy, MA 02169 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • October 02, 2024

    Mrs. O'Brien was one of my mother's best friends. I really looked up to her during my childhood, and she was a great role model and always looked after Billy, Timmy, Mark and Diane and all of their friends running in and out of the house and playing sports on the street, having sleepovers, etc. My Mother, Patricia is sending all of her love. Thomas Bausemer

  • October 01, 2024

    Wonder woman and family The Greniers

  • September 28, 2024

    Where do I start? She was my best friend for over 50 years. We knew each other's secrets and shared some joys and sorrows. I will miss you Joann

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