Joan C. Carolan

Chelsea, MA - Joan Carolan passed away after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease at the age of 86 years old Friday evening Aug. 2nd at the Bridgewell House in Beverly, MA. She had been receiving supportive care there for the past seven years. Born in Chelsea on May 3rd, 1933 she was the first child and beloved daughter of the late Arthur and Margaret (Venezia) Carolan.  Raised in Chelsea she attended St. Rose Elementary and was an active member of the church there. 

She continued her passion for religion until late in life; a fervent attendee of Saturday Mass, Joan would walk to church every week until she could no longer do so. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially those Sunday's at her brother's house in Middleton, and loved seeing her nieces and nephews. A lifelong lover of the Red Sox she loved to listen to the games on her portable radio she would keep close to her ear. Her apartment was a testament to this with bobbleheads, coins, cards, posters, team schedules, blankets, player signatures, etc.! Other hobbies included coin collecting, specifically the state quarter campaign for which she filled out multiple collector books for family members. Joan was a caring and loving soul who nurtured those around her with life and love, especially the younger members of the family with whom she played countless hours of checkers, go-fish, Trouble and Monopoly (for which she was always the thimble!). She babysat for almost the whole neighborhood in her younger years and knew all their birthdays.

She is survived by her brothers Raymond Carolan and his wife Linda of Dracut and Arthur Carolan and his wife Mary of Middleton. She leaves many cousins. Her nieces and nephews including Terri Wood of Derry, NH; Donna Martin of Dracut; John Carolan of Stow; Patrick, Emily and Beverly Carolan of Middleton. Also survived by several great-nieces and great-nephews, Bryan, Drew Julianna, Jack, Matthew, Patrick & Katherine.

A special thanks to the staff at Bridgewell for the years of taking care of Joan. Additionally to friends too numerous to list. She touched the lives of many. SERVICES - Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend a Celebration of Life Mass on Saturday, September 7th at 10:30AM at Saint Francis Parish, 115 Wheeler Road, Dracut, with a lunch to follow.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to Bridgewell ,Inc. 10 Dearborne Road Peabody, MA 01960, Memo on check 17 Wedgemere in memory of Joan Carolan.