Joann Dolores O’Brien, 87, of Goffstown and formerly of Nashua, entered the gates of heaven on Friday, December 17, 2021, after a brief illness. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Joann was born in Roslindale, Massachusetts on April 16, 1934. The daughter of James Ciampa and Rose Ciampa Sansone. Joann was educated in Roslindale schools. In her youth and early years as an adult, Joann was an active member in her church and was passionate about dance. She married William T. O’Brien and the couple resided in West Roxbury, MA. She was a homemaker and raised her six children. While living in West Roxbury, Joann was an active member of the Dedham Mother of Twins Club. In the late 1970s her family moved to Nashua NH. For the past 16 years, Joann has made her home in Goffstown.
She was employed at the phone company and other various jobs, but her happiest moments were spending time with her family. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and dogs were her greatest pride and joy.
Joann was a woman of such strong faith. She was talented in so many aspects of her life. She was a genius with needlepoint, knitting and ceramics, leaving us with treasured keepsakes she created. She was an amazing cook and avid reader. Being a cancer survivor was an important part of her identity later in life. Joann will always be remembered by her big heart, her sweet ways and her infectious laugh. She loved to laugh.
Joann is predeceased by her parents, her former husband, William and her beloved son, Michael J. O’Brien. She is survived by her children, Mark S. O’Brien, Louise Norway (David); Joanne O’Brien, Suzanne O’Brien, William O’Brien (Ericca); nine grandchildren, Adam, Britanny, Sadie, Edward, Elizabeth, William, Isabelle, Jillian and Abigail; one great-grandchild, Annaliese; her siblings Roberta Dodge (Frank), Joyce Belanger, James Ciampa and her lifelong friend, Joanie Foley.
Due to COVID 19, a Funeral Mass and celebration of her life, will be held in Spring of 2022. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made by a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.
