Joan Marie McAuliffe

Joan Marie McAuliffe, born on April 3, 1931, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 17, 2025, at her home in Centerville, Massachusetts. She was the cherished daughter of Cornelius and Gertrude Carroll and the youngest of three siblings. Joan was predeceased by her sister's Margaret and Catherine.

Joan graduated from Rosary Academy and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Regis College in 1953. She launched her professional career as a journalist for the Boston Record American, where she covered the Society Page and attended numerous Boston social and sporting events. In August 1958 she married Donald McAuliffe, the love of her life, and together they built a warm and loving home in Wakefield, Massachusetts. There, they raised their five children while cherishing summers spent on Cape Cod, a tradition that became a cornerstone of family life. When Joan and Don got a break from their five kids they adored going out to listen to piano music or seeing a musical. Their first formal date was to the King and I at The Metropolitan Theater. In 2003, Joan solidified her attachment to Centerville by deciding to live on Cape Cod year round.

After starting her family in 1959, Joan devoted herself to raising her children. That devotion was exemplified when she got 13 month old Meg into her car seat so she could drive Donny and a carpool of boy's to St John's Prep in Danvers when he started high school. When they grew older, Joan worked for the Wakefield Public Schools to remain close to them and align with their schedules. These years were also remarkable for extended periods of care-giving. Joan first cared for her older sister, Margaret, who fought breast cancer before her passing at age 52. When Don was diagnosed at the young age of 45 with Parkinson's Disease, Joan steadfastly stood by his side through many difficult medical therapies until his unfortunate death at age 62. Joan, likewise supported her aging parents as they were ravaged by dementia with unwavering love.

Joan’s zest for life was evident in her many passions. A lifelong learner, she pursued classes for lifelong learning at Boston College and Cape Cod Community College. Her favorite classes were art and history. She enjoyed reading the newspaper and was always current on the news, sports, and especially the weather! Joan loved to travel. Early on it was family road trips to New Hampshire in the Ford Country Squire station wagon with its wood-grain trim! Joan especially adored family ski trips in the Country Squire. Even though she didn't ski she always threatened to ride up the lift and down the other side to embarrass her kids. Joan took more adventurous excursions later in life to destinations such as Paris, London, Rome, Hawaii, China, New Zealand, and Egypt, where she rode a camel at the Great Pyramids! She also loved cruises in the Caribbean. Regular trips to Naples, FL with family were always a highlight. Joan never said no to an excursion with friends and family! Most recently, she brought together all 27 members of her family for a memorable Christmas celebration in Florida in 2023.

Her vibrant personality shone through in everything she did. Joan had a flair for fashion and was often seen dressed elegantly in shades of blue, her favorite color, and relished shopping trips with her daughters and granddaughters. Joan remained a close friend to her sister-in-law, Rosemary McAuliffe, who was an integral part of Joan's family until her own passing in 2019. It was Joan's trademark to welcome everyone into her home with open arms and friends of her children were treated like family members! Friends often slept over at Tern Lane. Some friends stayed for many nights; one friend of Donny moved his bed into a lower level room and stayed for a summer! Joan filled her home with photographs of her family and friends. She stayed youthful by being active right up to her passing. She was always up for going out with her children and grandchildren.

Joan’s later years were especially joyful as she dedicated herself to creating lasting memories with her 12 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. When her grandchildren were young, she spent most weekends babysitting and remained an active presence in their lives as they grew older. "Meet me at Baxter's" could have been coined about Joan! She was often spotted at Happy Hour at Baxter's Boathouse surrounded by her children, adult grandchildren and their friends. Fourth of July held special significance for Joan; it was the day she met Donald on a blind date at the Wakefield Parade in 1956. Her Fourth of July celebrations in her backyard at the Lake were legendary! Family, friends and neighbors gathered with Joan to watch the fireworks and celebrate!

Joan was an avid gardener. She particularly enjoyed caring for her beloved hydrangeas. She loved the beach, going out to dinner, and relaxing on her deck overlooking Lake Wequaquet. She had cherished neighbors in Wakefield and Centerville and continued to visit lifelong friends from high school and college until her passing. Joan embraced life fully!

She will be remembered for many things: her dedication to family; her apple and blueberry pies and famous potato salad; her sense of style; her passion for learning; and most importantly, the warmth and joy she brought into every room she entered.

Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband Donald McAuliffe. She is survived by her five children: Donald Jr. (Lyne); Catherine (Ray Brooks); Mary Beth Cox; Carol Ann Delmonico (John); and Meg Chute (Gary). She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren—D.Timothy III (Samantha), Connor, William (Morgan) McAuliffe; Sarah, Emily, Daniel Brooks; Caroline, Kenneth, Christopher Cox; Peter, Jack, and Maggie Delmonico—and two great-granddaughters: Nora and Sophia McAuliffe.

Joan's legacy is one of love, resilience, curiosity about the world around her, and an unwavering commitment to family. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing while inspiring them to live life as fully as Joan did.

Donations in Joan's name can be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) of Massachusetts at APDAMA.org or 85 East Concord Street, Ground Floor, Boston, MA 02118 in memory of Joan McAuliffe. Her daughter, Meg, has been on the Board of Directors of this organization for 15 years trying to help find a cure for the disease that took Joan's husband far too early.

Given Joan's love of her blue hydrangeas, those who plan on attending her services are encouraged to wear blue.

For those who can attend these services and for those who are not able to attend, the family is planning a Fourth of July Celebration of Life party in Joan's honor this summer on July 3rd or 4th (whenever the fireworks are scheduled) in her backyard. Details will follow.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 2-6pm at Doane, Beal and Ames, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11am at Our Lady Of Victory, 230 S Main St, Centerville, MA 02632. Burial will be private.