Joan M. "Joanne" (Frazier) O'Donnell, a 40 year resident of Malden, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 9, 2015 surrounded by her loving family at Winchester Nursing Center in Winchester following an extended illness. She was 77 years old.
Joannne was born in Boston on October 12, 1937, a daughter of the late Norman Frazier and Muriel (Gilbert) Frazier. She grew up in Somerville where she was educated in the Somerville Public School system. Joanne was a graduate of Hesser College in Nashua, New Hampshire. Joanne spent most of her career helping others as a Nurses Assistant and a Dietitians Assistant at St. Joseph's Hospital in Nashua, New Hampshire and Malden Hospital in Malden. A devout catholic, she became a Eucharistic Minister and was delighted in meeting new people and serving her parish. Joanne also spent countless hours in soup kitchens and nursing homes, caring for and providing encouragement to those who were less fortunate than herself. She enjoyed reading and doing puzzles in her spare time.
Joanne is the devoted mother of Mary Gifford and her husband retired Malden Police Officer Rock Gifford, Catherine Bailey and Norman O'Donnell. She is the loving Gram to Melanie Bailey, Eric Azul and his wife Meika, Stephen Bailey, Brandon Davis O'Donnell, Trevor O'Donnell and her great-grandchildren Nicholas and Nina. She is the beloved sister of Robert Frazier and Kenneth Frazier and his wife Linda. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joanne's Funeral on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 8:45 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose followed by her Funeral Mass in St. Joseph's Church, 770 Salem St. Malden at 10 A.M. Her burial will be at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Joan's name to The American Lung Association, 1661 Worcester Road, Suite 301, Framingham, Mass. 01701.
Joanne's family wishes to express special thanks to the staff of the Winchester Nursing Center, who provided exceptional care and treated her with the utmost respect and kindness.