Joan E. (Cox) O'Brien

ORANGE- Joan (Cox) O’Brien died peacefully February 8, 2025.  

She was born on July 13, 1935 in Highlands of Lowell MA to the late James Cox and the late Lillian (Locke) Cox.  In June of 1959, she married Robert O’Brien and they celebrated 62 years of marriage.  

Joan had a very strong Catholic faith that began with her schooling at St Margaret Elementary School in Lowell, followed by Notre Dame Academy in Tyngsboro, and continued on to Merrimack College where she received her Bachelor Degree in Education.

Joan dedicated many years of service in the Church community.  She and Bob were Eucharistic Ministers, religious education teachers, and also organized the Loaves and Fishes Dinner when hosted at St. Mary’s Church in Orange.  Joan actively participated in the Women’s Club, where she served for a time as President.  Her service also included visiting the elderly of Orange, and serving as part of the Church Altar Guild. Joan also loved when she and Bob were able to volunteer with Missionaries of the Poor in Kingston, Jamaica.  This lifetime of volunteering and service was a true testament to her faith. 

Joan began her teaching career in Westford, MA as a First Grade teacher.  Upon moving to Orange she substituted for many years in the surrounding towns.  She then worked as a Reading teacher at Dexter Park and Fisher Hill Elementary Schools until her retirement.

In the summers of her younger years she could always be found at Wells Beach in ME.  She was also an avid tennis player.  She and her best friend Carol Kenyon (Bonenfant) could be often found on the Highland courts ready for a match. 

 She enjoyed camping trips with her family out west.  She and Bob continued to camp in state and national parks across the U.S. and Canada.  They also had many adventures traveling to Ireland and other parts of Europe.  When home, she and Bob enjoyed walking in the Quabbin with her beloved dog, Kola.  

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her sister, Jane Kilday.  

She leaves behind her son Sean (Amy) O’Brien of Holyoke, MA, daughters Bridget (Michael) Welch of Uxbridge, MA, Maureen O’Brien of Waynesville, GA, and Fay (Timothy) Ott of Laurel, MD, as well as grandchildren Elizabeth Welch,John Welch, Patrick Welch, Peter Welch, Paige Ott, Connor Ott, and two great grandchildren, as well as her brother James (Laura) Cox of Dennis, MA.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 9:00 - 10;45 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.  

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, February 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 19 Congress Street Orange, with Fr. Mark Glover presiding.

 Interment will follow in South Cemetery in Orange. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mahpiya Luta -Red Cloud School 100 Mission Drive, Pine Ridge, SD 57770 or Food For the Poor Inc. 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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