Published in the March 30, 2018 edition
LYNNFIELD — Joann (Taracevicz) O’Brien, 86, of Lynnfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 26, 2018 at Rosewood Rehabilitation Center in Peabody. Joann was the beloved wife of the late Walter O’Brien of Saugus. Joann was born on May 16, 1931 in Cambridge to Fabian Taracevicz and Katherine (Smiarowska) Taracevicz, both immigrants of Poland. Joann was raised in Malden and graduated high school from Cheverus. She lived in Melrose for 30 years and Saugus for 16 years.
Joann was the kindest of souls and truly impacted all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin and friend. She had an incredible sense of humor and loved to read, listen to music and travel (especially to St. Thomas). She adored animals and loved nothing more than quality time with loved ones and a scoop of maple walnut ice cream.
Joann was the beloved mother of Maureen (O’Brien) Picciotto of Lynnfield and Susan (O’Brien) Aristizabal of Saugus. Loving mother-in-law to Gus Aristizabal and the late Saro Picciotto. Beloved grandmother to Alexa and fiancé Raymond Russo, James, Isabella and Katherine. Cherished sister to Edna (Taracevicz) Carroll, Bernard Taracevicz, the late Adele (Taracevicz) Neumyer and the late Fabian Taracevicz. Also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joann’s family, friends, and all who had the absolute joy of knowing her are devastated and deeply saddened by her loss. She was so incredibly loved and her family and friends will continue to live in her honor and ensure that her memory is everlasting.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St. Melrose on Friday, March 30, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Procession from the funeral home at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Blessing at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St. Melrose at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joann’s name to Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, to Kidney Cancer (the illness Joann died from), 55 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02114 or at www.massgeneral.org/cancer/support/. For obituary, directions, or to send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
