Joan C. Mulhearn, 93, of Worcester died Sunday, September 27th at home surrounded by her loving family. Her husband, Gerald Mulhearn died in 1996. She leaves three sons, Brian Mulhearn and his wife, Karen of Worcester, Francis Mulhearn and his wife, Cheryl of Hardwick, and James Mulhearn of Brookfield; three daughters, Joan Cline and her husband, Robert of Worcester, Kathleen Belanger and her husband, Paul of East Brookfield, and Maureen Haley and her husband, Steven of Ashburnham; daughter-in-law, Susan Barnes; 25 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; one great great grandaughter and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sons, Timothy and Edward; and two sisters, Dorothy Sullivan and Ruth Cushman.
She was born and raised in Worcester the daughter of Ainslie and Marion A. (Goslow) Westaver and graduated from St. Stephen’s High School before continuing her education at the St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing. She went on to dedicate many years to a career in nursing, caring for countless individuals throughout the Worcester area. Over the years, she worked at several local hospitals and nursing facilities, including St. Mary’s Nursing Home and St. Vincent Hospital. Nursing was an important part of her life, and she remained devoted to her profession until retiring at the age of 73.
Proud of her Irish heritage, she especially cherished the opportunity to travel to Ireland with her sister, Ruth, a trip that remained a treasured memory. She was also a longtime supporter of Disabled American Veterans.
She had a lifelong love of reading and took great joy in passing that love along to her children. In her free time, she enjoyed trips to the beach, particularly Hampton Beach and Cape Cod, as well as visits to the casino, playing cards, and vacations with her children.
Above all, family was at the center of her life. She treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren and was always excited to attend her grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on. Whether traveling together, gathering for special occasions, or simply enjoying one another’s company, the time she spent surrounded by her family was what she cherished most.
Calling hours are Friday, October 2nd from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue followed by her funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.