Joan M. Duffy

Joan M. Duffy  of Braintree, died February 16, 2025, she was 83. Daughter of the late John J. Duffy and Mary E. (Carr) Duffy. Loving sister of John “Jay” J. Duffy, Jr. and his wife Marian of Milton. Cherished Aunt of Amy Chrisom and her husband Kevin of Milton and John J.Duffy,III and his wife Katie of PA. Devoted great Aunt of Kevin and Madeline Chrisom, Molly, Mary Kate and Maggie Duffy. 

Joanie was born in Charlestown, Ma. and loved calling herself a “Townie”. From there she moved to her childhood home in Dorchester and stayed there for many years before moving to Milton, then ultimately Braintree. Joanie attended St. Peter’s Elementary School in Dorchester, high school at Holy Cross Academy in Brookline, Mount St. Mary’s College in Hooksett, NH., and Boston College in Chestnut Hill for her Master’s Degree in Special Education

Joanie was a bright light to all those she came in contact with. She always greeted everyone with a big smile and a warm hug. Joanie was a Special Education teacher in Braintree for 35 plus years. She encouraged, nurtured, and taught so many children to not only be successful in school but also in life. She put 100% into each student she worked with. This is evident by the numerous accolades she had received from administration, students, and parents. Joanie was a true gift to the Braintree Public Schools and loved all the staff, students, and families so much.

Joanie loved to travel and she did so many times. Her journeys took her on multiple trips to Hawaii, trips to Japan, Bermuda, Seattle, California, and her beloved Ireland where she traveled with her mother and cousin on the trip of a lifetime. Joanie had friends everywhere from all walks of life. She loved her friends, their travels, their visits, and their breakfasts at the Olympian Diner. She had her friends she skied with every winter in Killington, Vt., her friends in Hawaii and overseas, her Braintree friends, college friends, and church friends, all equally important to her. Joanie’s friends were incredibly special to her.

The most important part of Joanie’s life was always her cherished family. Joanie’s family was her priority. She rarely missed an opportunity to celebrate a special day, enjoy holidays, or just stop by for a visit which she often did. She especially loved her great nephew and three great nieces, cheering them and supporting them in whatever they did. Joanie brought so much joy to our family, always excited to see everyone and ready for a party. Joanie delighted in every moment spent with her family but no relationship was as important as the caring, supportive bond she had with her brother Jay Duffy. She was able to share in so many family events and celebrations due to the constant care given by him. Joanie was so proud of her brother and his family and the love was returned twofold right back to her. Joanie was the best daughter, sister, sister in law, aunt, cousin, and friend anyone could ask for and she will be sorely missed. A special thank you to Sunrise Assisted Living in Braintree. They brought the spark back to Joanie’s life and we are truly grateful for their dedication and care. A special thank you to Ascend Hospice Care. The were amazing in helping Joanie remain comfortable in her final days and patient and compassionate towards her family.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Friday February 21th from 4-7 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:30 AM on Saturday February 22, prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Braintree at 10:30 AM. Burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joan may be made Ascend Healthcare and Hospice and or St. Agatha Elementary School, 440 Adams St., Milton, MA 02186.