Joan A (Hagan) Holbert- age 90 of Peabody and formerly of North Reading, MA passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Alliance Health @ Rosewood in Peabody, MA.  Born in Chelsea, MA on November 20, 1933, she was the beloved daughter of the late William and Mary (O’Brien) Hagan of Chelsea and North Reading, MA.

Anyone that knew Joan would recount many fond memories of her time here with us. Most notably her incredible sense of humor, spicy attitude and many passions that kept her company. Her love of tending to her gorgeous plant collection, playing cards, following her beloved Red Sox, keeping a pristine home and loving endlessly on her many cherished family members.  Joan lived to love. She sang and danced any time the music was right. She spent many summers of her life camping and never forgot to make a moment count.

Joan married the love of her life Bernard Holbert in 1953 at the old St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading.  Their journey together was filled with joy, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to one another until Bernie’s passing in 2008 after 55 years of marriage.  As the wife of a US Marine, she experienced life in several locations around the country until settling back in their hometown in North Reading in 1968 after his retirement. Family was her number one love: her priority.  Friends became family, especially the many friends of her children.

Joan worked at Marshall’s Distribution Center as well as Green Grove Nursing Home in North Reading for many years, before her retirement.

She was predeceased by her brothers Donald and Arthur Hagan and her sister, Anna Cesareo.   She was also predeceased by her 2 son in-laws George Nolan and Rick Cass and her great grandson, Bentley Cass.

With love as her compass, she navigated life’s challenges, dedicating herself to her family.  She is survived by her 5 children, Bernie Holbert of Sebago, Maine, Karen Nolan of Manchester, NH, Denise and her husband Brian of Chester, NH, Cheryl Millard and her husband John, of Peabody, MA, and Kim Cass of Beverly, MA.   Joan also leaves behind her 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and her treasured nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Croswell’s Funeral Home. Interment services to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Elm Street, North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made in her memory to: Alliance Health @ Rosewood – Resident Council Fund, 22 Johnson St, Peabody MA 01960 or Care Dimensions  – Sylvan St, Danvers MA, 01923

www.croswellfuneralhome.com