Joan C. McQuillan

Joan Callahan McQuillan, 93, of Greenville, RI, formerly of Middleton, MA and Avon, CT died peacefully on July 9, 2023, surrounded by family. 

Joan was born in Lynn, MA on November 1, 1929, to the late John and Mildred (Danforth) Callahan. Proudly raised in Lynn, she was the oldest of 5 children. Joan graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1946. Soon after graduation she started her career as a secretary at the Chancery of the Boston Archdiocese and then at General Electric. It was there she met her true love, Jeremiah E. McQuillan. Joan and Jerry were married on April 20, 1968. They settled in Avon, CT and raised their family on Tamara Circle, where they met lifelong friends. Joan and Jerry had 23 wonderful years together, traveling, summering in Chatham, MA, attending Holy Cross football games, and spending time with family. After Jerry’s death in 1992, Joan moved to Middleton, MA to be closer to her siblings and childhood friends. She lived in Middleton for 26 years. 

Joan was fiercely devoted to her family and is survived by her two daughters, Sara Nicolai (Keith) of Chatham, MA and Alicia M. Bennett of Greenville, RI. Known as Nana, she will be terribly missed by her 5 beloved grandchildren, Kevin Patrick Nicolai of Charlotte, NC, Heather Ann Nicolai of New York, NY, William Eoin Nicolai of Chatham, MA, and Reilly Jeremiah and Meaghan Cathleen Bennett of Greenville, RI.  She is also survived by her siblings, Marguerite Callahan of Salem, MA, John Callahan (Linda) of West Linn, OR and Neil Callahan (Ann) of Nahant, MA as well as several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Mary Cerasuolo.

Joan’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Village of Waterman Lake, as well as Lisa and Christine of Harmony Hospice for their loving care. 

Calling hours will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 8 S. Common St, Lynn, MA. on Monday, July 17th,  (9:30am - 11:30am) followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Charities, https://www.ccab.org/. ( see the link below ).