Known for her sense of humor, gorgeous plant collection and making moments count
PEABODY — Joan A. (Hagan) Holbert, 90, of Peabody and formerly of North Reading, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Alliance Health @ Rosewood in Peabody.
Born in Chelsea on November 20, 1933, she was the beloved daughter of the late William and Mary (O’Brien) Hagan of Chelsea and North Reading.
Anyone that knew Joan would recount many fond memories of her time here with us. Most notably her incredible sense of humor, spicy attitude and many passions that kept her company. Her love of tending to her gorgeous plant collection, playing cards, following her beloved Red Sox, keeping a pristine home and loving endlessly on her many cherished family members. Joan lived to love. She sang and danced any time the music was right. She spent many summers of her life camping and never forgot to make a moment count.
Joan married the love of her life Bernard Holbert in 1953 at the old St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading. Their journey together was filled with joy, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to one another until Bernie’s passing in 2008 after 55 years of marriage. As the wife of a U.S. Marine, she experienced life in several locations around the country until settling back in their hometown in North Reading in 1968 after his retirement. Family was her number one love: her priority. Friends became family, especially the many friends of her children.
Joan worked at Marshall’s Distribution Center as well as Green Grove Nursing Home in North Reading for many years, before her retirement.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Donald and Arthur Hagan, and her sister, Anna Cesareo. She was also predeceased by her two sons-in-law, George Nolan and Rick Cass, and her great-grandson, Bentley Cass.
