Joan M. (Foley) Rhilinger, 99, a lifelong resident of Franklin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Serenity Hills Nursing Center in Wrentham. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert T. Rhilinger.
Born and raised in Franklin, Joan was the only child of the late John and Mary (Beaudette) Foley. She graduated from Franklin High School with the Class of 1943 and went on to earn her secretarial degree from the former Bryant & Stratton Secretarial School in Boston in 1945.
Joan began her professional career with American Express, a role that allowed her to travel to Europe, a highlight in her early years. She later worked as a secretary at H. Bullukian & Sons Oil Company, where she remained until her retirement.
A devoted communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin, Joan was also an active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s Club. She cherished time spent with her family and found great joy and companionship in the community at Magnolia Heights, where she lived for eight years.
As the longest-living member of the Rhilinger, Foley, and Beaudette families, Joan leaves behind her closest relatives: Sally (Costello) Cupka and Laurie (Beaudette) Matto and their extended family members.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Saturday, August 16, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Franklin at 10AM.
Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.
There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to a Catholic Charity of one’s choosing.
Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com