Joan Frances MacDonald, age 90

of Westwood

Joan Frances MacDonald, age 90

Joan Frances MacDonald, of Westwood and formerly of Quincy, died on Saturday, March 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved sister of Richard (Martha) MacDonald of Wayland and the late Harold (Andrea) MacDonald and the late Ann (John) Cummings, as well as the aunt of the late Thomas MacDonald. Joan was the favorite aunt of two generations of nieces and nephews.

A proud graduate of the Class of 1952 of Quincy High School, Joan spent the majority of her life in Quincy; however, she considered South Boston to be her second home, and she enjoyed spending time with her cousins and eating the occasional hot dog at Sullivan’s on Castle Island. A lifelong parishioner of Saint John’s, Joan cherished her many friends, especially those she met during her career at the New England Telephone Company, and she was an active member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. Even during retirement, she remained busy with her telephone friends, whether it was going on trips to Europe or Florida, golfing, bowling at Olindy’s, or attending her favorite Christmas in July party.

Joan was a regular at the South Shore Plaza, not only shopping but also walking and enjoying coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts with her friends and her sister. She was also close to the Comer family, and their Easter brunches and Fourth of July cookouts took precedence over anything else happening at that time. Joan was an avid collector who enjoyed sharing her love of the finer things in life. Many friends and relatives received beautiful pieces of Waterford or Belleek from Joan to adorn their first homes or celebrate momentous occasions. Family events were a priority for Joan, who even attended socially distanced graduations and al fresco holidays during COVID.

Visitation will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Wednesday, March 12, from 9 – 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Immediately following the visitation, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint John the Baptist Church, 44 School Street, Quincy, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Mount Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy.

In lieu of flowers, we recommend donating in Joan’s memory to Father Bill’s & MainSpring, 430 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301 or www.helpfbms.org.

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  • Kathy Callahan Creighton wrote on March 9, 2025

    So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Joan was a wonderful fun filled person. I was lucky to have worked with her for years at Telephone Co. The girls from Braintree Acctg had just gotten together and as usual her name came up.
    May she RIP . Till we meet again.

  • Mary Louise Kelly wrote on March 10, 2025

    Joan was one of the loveliest peolple I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. We were on the same bowling team . RIP Mary

  • Sandra McCarthy wrote on March 10, 2025

    Joan will be missed by her many Telephone friends, we are all getting older and realize what a Treasure we had in our friends. Joan was one of those treasures!.
    I will always remember the delicious fudge she would bring to my Christmas in July party.

  • Adella Smith Randazzo wrote on March 11, 2025

    My memories of sleeping over my Aunt Emma’s house in Quincy when I was around 7 years old are filled with love and joy. Ann and Joan used to dress me up in their beautiful dresses and make me feel like a princess. I looked up to them so much since they had so much sophistication and worldliness. Being somewhere in their 20’s, they left a huge impression on me.

    I loved when I made both of them laugh, the sound was like music to my ears and I remember the giggling and squealing vividly!

    Rest In Peace my beautiful cousin!

  • MarGARET LEE GOSSELIN wrote on March 13, 2025

    I REMEMBER THE GREAT TIMES JOAN,ANN AND MYSELF WOULD HAVE ICE SKATING ON THE MEADOW BEHIND THEIR HOME ON BURNS av.

    SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE .

  • Anne (Smith) Conlon wrote on March 19, 2025

    Joan & Ann’s visits at Bell Court in S. Boston were something I treasured. They were great role models
    wearing hats, petticoat dresses and always a lipstick smile. Someday, I hope to be like them. I remember the cookouts at Burns Ave, playing tag , badminton and just being aware of how life should be. Through the years we drifted but still counted on the annual picnics at Castle Island and St. Patricks parade at Uncle Alberts. Loving memories to hold forever in my heart. So sorry for your loss.