Joan P. (D’Orsi) Welch, 76, of Framingham, passed away on Monday, December 15th surrounded by her family. Born in Dorchester and raised in Medford, Joan attended Medford public schools and graduated from Medford High School in 1967. She was the beloved daughter of the late Richard “Dick” and Rita (Gonella) D’Orsi. Joan made her home in Framingham starting in the 1970’s.
Above all else, Joan—also known affectionately as “Joanie”—was devoted to her children and grandchildren. She took immense pride in her family and was happiest when they were gathered together at a dinner table or cookout. She enjoyed spending time at Rockport and Gloucester beaches as a child and then with her own family. She often reminisced how lucky she felt to have found a Framingham neighborhood where her kids could play outside and where adults and children alike formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She cherished gatherings with her “39 Forever” gals. Deeply proud of her Florentine and Italian heritage, she looked forward to clams linguini and lobsters on Christmas Eve. Her fried bread soup and stuffed artichoke at other holidays carried on the tradition of her mother and will be especially missed.
Joan was a graduate of Medford High School and Mt. Auburn Nursing School. She recalled how her dog “Shaggy” walked her to and from high school each day. She often spoke fondly of her teenage years enjoying Brigham’s Ice Cream in Medford Square and attending many family gatherings with her father’s large family.
Joan worked as a Registered Nurse in the ICU at Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick for almost 20 years. She later served as Director of Nursing at several nursing homes, and went on to work as a Case Manager at John Hancock Insurance. Throughout her professional life, Joan consistently chose roles that allowed her to support and advocate for people during some of their most difficult moments. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Regis College and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts. She retired at age 70. Upon retirement, Joan joined the Framingham Garden Club where she became an active and enthusiastic member, enjoying both learning and sharing her love of gardening with others.
Joan met John “Jack” Welch while they both worked in the kitchen at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. They were married for over 30 years, raising their children with love and care. Later in life, Joan enjoyed companionship with her partner Rob Anapol. Joan was the devoted mother of Brendan Welch and his wife, Chona Ramos, and Meghan Welch and her wife, Dana Ostberg. She was the proud and loving grandmother of Kieran Welch and Stellan Ostberg. Joan was the dear sister of Richard D’Orsi and his wife, Maria, and the cherished aunt of Domenic and Christina D’Orsi.
Her family remembers her as a wonderful listener—easy to talk to, and knowing how to comfort others when they were feeling down. She had a rare gift for making friends everywhere she went whether at work, in the neighborhood or on the train. Joan also cherished traveling with family—especially trips to visit Brendan in California and the Netherlands, a family journey to Italy, and a memorable trip to France with her father and daughter.
Visiting hours will be held at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Monday, December 22nd from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, and again on Tuesday, December 23rd at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 10:00 AM and a graveside ceremony at Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
If you would like to honor Joan, you may send flowers to Dello Russo Funeral Home or make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.