ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Joanne O'Brien, 72 years old who passed away on April 25, 2021. We will remember her forever.

Joanne was one of five children, born to parents Jennie and Tullio Sforza in Quincy, MA on July 1, 1948. She then spent years living in Weymouth before ultimately moving with her family to North Conway, and last several years in the Hooksett and Bow areas of New Hampshire. 

She was the beloved wife to Kevan, a dedicated mother to her sons Michael and Matthew, and an adoring grandmother (Nonna) to Fiona. She was kind, considerate, prayerful, and completely devoted to her family. She was a thoughtful gift giver, always quick to compliment, and loyal to her core. She will be so very missed by us all.

At this time, there are no formal plans to have an in person memorial ceremony. Below, under the tribute section you may leave your condolences for the family. 

We also invite all family, loved ones, and friends to share their favorite memories of Joanne by clicking on the "stories" tab above and posting there. You can also post any photos you may have under the "gallery" section. These are great ways for us to remember Joanne, as we all knew her in different ways and times.

Joanne loved the ocean and would visit the New Hampshire seacoast regularly. If you visit the ocean this summer, please think of her.
June 1, 2021
June 1, 2021
Very sorry to just be hearing this sad news for her entire family. So young still. Hopefully did not suffer. We remember Jo when attending my baby sis Rita's holiday parties. She was so full of joy, with an infectious laugh. Always very friendly & engaging. May she rest in peace.
May 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
Dear Cousins Mike and Dani, I'm so sorry for your loss, I'd can't imagine how loosing a mother would feel, my heart is with you both and your in our prayers every night. Family always perseveres through change ,so I'm glad you guys have each other and Fiona, and we're here for you.
Love, Rocco
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
To my dear sweet Joanne. I want to thank you for being such a great rock for my brother Kevan. For being a wonderful mom to your beautiful boys Mikeand Mattie. For your love of that most beautiful baby granddaughter Fiona. We had a lot of laughs along the years talking about our dysfunctional families. But we loved them all. I’m so sad that you had to leave us but glad you aren’t suffering any more. Rest In Peace. Love always Elaine.
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
Goodbye Joanne,
When I heard the news you had passed away I got up the courage to tell Sara and she said “Mom I feel like my world just ended”.  “ Me too Sara” I said.
Joanne, you were Sara’s second Mother, always there for her, loving her like your own, laughing with her, and there every step of her life.
We are so heartbroken.......

There are no words for what you meant to me and my family. I never knew anyone that had more kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, generosity of spirit, and loving in your heart than you. You were totally selfless.
I was truly blessed the day I met you so long ago. Thank you for being the best friend I could ever have had. You are irreplaceable in my life. You were always there in the good times and always the first one there through the worst times of my life. You still saw the best in me, what a friend, what moments in time..........

With every step I make these days I hear you laughing with me, snickering, and see your beautiful smile.  My life is full of so many great memories we had together. I will miss you forever.  I can’t call and hear your calming voice again. Can’ t seem to stop these tears from falling. Not going to be easy living without my best friend. I can’t imagine how Kevan, Matt, Michael feel!

In the end I was helpless to ease your pain, your suffering,  So I asked for peace for you. I know God was waiting, calling you home. ✝️  
I know the love you gave remains forever in my heart, in my children’s, and the 2 wonderful sons you raised.

Thank you, thank you, for being the best friend anyone could have. You are safe in my heart forever and you will be with me every time I laugh. I’ll be smiling up at you in Heaven on those incredible New England Fall Days and when I look out at the ocean until the day we meet again

Love you forever
Mary Jane  Sara  Brian. Jack



May 10, 2021
May 10, 2021
Mike,

I am very sorry for your loss and have enjoyed hearing your stories about your time with your mom while growing up. She is clearly a special lady.  I look forward to hearing more when we can meet again in-person.

Take care.
May 8, 2021
May 8, 2021
What sweet memories of a lady well loved. Hard as it is to miss someone we love, we know that love is passed on forever!
Although I didn’t know her personally, her son Mike is a great husband to my cousin, Dani, and I have loved watching them grow as parents to Fiona! All my love from Georgia!

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Recent Tributes
June 1, 2021
June 1, 2021
Very sorry to just be hearing this sad news for her entire family. So young still. Hopefully did not suffer. We remember Jo when attending my baby sis Rita's holiday parties. She was so full of joy, with an infectious laugh. Always very friendly & engaging. May she rest in peace.
May 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
Dear Cousins Mike and Dani, I'm so sorry for your loss, I'd can't imagine how loosing a mother would feel, my heart is with you both and your in our prayers every night. Family always perseveres through change ,so I'm glad you guys have each other and Fiona, and we're here for you.
Love, Rocco
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
To my dear sweet Joanne. I want to thank you for being such a great rock for my brother Kevan. For being a wonderful mom to your beautiful boys Mikeand Mattie. For your love of that most beautiful baby granddaughter Fiona. We had a lot of laughs along the years talking about our dysfunctional families. But we loved them all. I’m so sad that you had to leave us but glad you aren’t suffering any more. Rest In Peace. Love always Elaine.
Recent stories

Joanne's amazing culinary creations.

May 9, 2021
  • The first Thanksgiving I spent with Joanne was my introuction to her culinary mastery. She painstakingly created these two desserts and humbly presented them to us. Not only were they amazing and beautiful too look at, but they also were so delicious!  When I asked her how she made them , her explanation was so intricate I thought , this woman is all heart! Her sweet smile and gentle, calm manner also touched me.  When I see her son Mike I see his Mom and I have always seen so much of her in her grand daughter Fiona. I am sadden by her passing for Mike and Dani, who are just starting on their journey of parenthood and for Mikes brother and his Dad, their loss I sympathize with deeply, but for Fiona, my heart breaks. I send my heartfelt thoughts with love to them all for their lose. 

From her daughter in law (Dani)

May 8, 2021
Joanne was such a special person, she was welcoming and warm to me from the first day I met her. She was incredibly thoughtful, considerate, and kind. She would always take the time to encourage, compliment, and be there when you needed her. 

A recent fond memory was at our baby shower, August 2019. Earlier that year, Mike and I made an announcement video that we were expecting a baby. There was one part in the video where Mike was saying how he'd teach the baby how to mow the lawn (earn her keep) which made everyone laugh. Joanne remembered that and spent hours making us a John-Deere shaped diaper tower for our baby shower. She was so thoughtful like that. I will miss her very much.

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