Joan M (Bacchiochi) O'Brien

Of Centerville, formerly of Norwood, passed away Wednesday, June 12th 2024, surrounded by her loving grandchildren at the Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. Her death was unexpected.
Joan was born in Newton on September 16, 1934 to the late Carl and Ann (Barkutis) Bacchiochi of Needham. Joan was a 1952 graduate of Needham High School.
She predeceased her wonderful husband Joe and is survived by her brother Bob Bacchiochi of Florida, her sons Paul (Coleen), Bobby (Sutton) and Larry, her grandchildren Justin, Jennifer, Chrisa and Brandon, also three other children from other mother’s, Jim Balnis, Lauran Giambattista and Kevin Cornielus Harrington.
Joan was employed at Canada Dry and then became a much-loved councilor and instructor at Gloria Stevens Fitness Salon.
With 3 very athletic sons, Joan was a team Mom volunteer for baseball, soccer and football teams and loved doing it. She loved travel, visiting Europe, St. Maarten and crossing the United States on multiple occasions. She loved working in her garden each year for hours on end. She kept an immaculate home and the way she dressed was impeccable. All class, and always with a big, beautiful smile. She lit up a room, especially when dancing with her friends, her favorite pass time in her last years, as she was quite a dancer. Also, an avid reader always had more than just one book from the library. Very proud of her Italian and Lithuanian heritage she loved to cook. In her 30’s Joan did what she absolutely adored, modeling in local fashion shows for a bridal shop. She had the beauty and grace to do this for a number of years.
She had many good friends through the years who will all miss her. Jeanie, Muriel and Jackie to name a few. God Bless you Ma, we love you and await our next embrace.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visiting hours on Tuesday, July 2nd, from 3-7pm at the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home, 1248 Washington Street, Norwood.
A further celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Cape Cod later in the season.