JoAnn (Cassidy) O'Brien

JoAnn (Cassidy) O'Brien, widow of George J. O'Brien, and resident of the Christian Hill section of the city died on Monday August 24, 2015 with her family by her side. She was 73.

JoAnn was born in Lowell on July 3, 1942, a daughter of the late Bernard and Anna (Brady) Cassidy.

She attended Lowell schools and graduated from Lowell High School. JoAnn was employed by the city as a para professional for many years. She worked at the Robinson, Pyne, and Lowell High School. JoAnn then moved to the election commission where she worked as an election clerk for many years including part time after her retirement.
JoAnn was a communicant of St. Michael Parish where she also served as a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. JoAnn enjoyed traveling with friends, and especially with her family for the annual trip to Dennis on Cape Cod. She looked forward to her monthly Breakfast Club with some of her childhood friends. JoAnn was an avid Red Sox fan, making sure she watched all of the games.
For JoAnn it was all about family, whether she was at her son Jim's celebrating Christmas Eve or the big July 4th cookout celebrating her birthday, anniversary, and son Kevin's birthday, she enjoyed every moment spent with them. To her grandchildren she was affectionately known as "Nana on Wheels". She attended all of their events from sports, recitals, plays and concerts. JoAnn was loving, nurturing and giving. She was always making sure she took care of everyone.
Her family would like to thank the staff at the Westford house for their compassionate care given to JoAnn and her family during her stay.
Survivors include her three children and their spouses, Karen and David Rondeau of Stoneham, James and Maura O'Brien of Andover, Kevin and Shannon O'Brien of Shrewsbury; eight grandchildren, Liam, Maeve and Brien Rondeau, Rory, Reilly, and Evie O'Brien, Daniel and Jack O'Brien; brother and sisters and their spouses, Bernard and Anne Marie Cassidy of Lowell, Mary and Paul Demers of Dracut, Gail and Ron Cenik of Lowell; nieces and nephews, Anne Slattery, Thomas Cassidy, George Cassidy, Paul Demers, Michael Demers, David Demers, Stephen Cenik, Julie Cenik; dear friends, Jane and Gerry Coutu of Chelmsford, and Pat Dailey of Lowell. She was also the sister of the late Frank Cassidy and aunt of the late Christopher "Gus" Cenik.