Joan Kelliher Pupa

BAREFOOT BAY, Fla. — Joan Kelliher Pupa entered into eternal life on Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, at the age of 77, following a complication from surgery, with her loving family at her side.

Joan was born on June 17, 1931, in Boston, to the late John J. and Norma (Malloy) Kelliher. She spent her youth in Milton, Mass., and graduated from Notre Dame Academy, Roxbury, Mass., in 1948.

Joan was working for the McKesson Liquor Co. when she met her husband, who was a salesman for the McKesson Drug Co. They were married in St. Agatha's Church in Milton on Oct. 19, 1957, by Archbishop Richard J. Cushing of Boston.

After her marriage, she lived in Milton, Duxbury, Mass., and Dennis before moving to Barefoot Bay in 1985. She was the owner of The Heritage Gift Shop in West Dennis until her retirement.

She loved golfing, traveling, and square dancing, and continued these activities until her health prevented them.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Stephen J. Pupa Sr. In addition to her husband, she leaves four children, son, John J. Pupa and his wife, Lisa, of Marston Mills; daughter, Mary Sears and her husband, William, of Palm Bay; son, Stephen J. Pupa Jr. and his wife, Michelle, of Forest Hills, Md.; and daughter, Janice Bowman and her husband, John, of Palm Bay. She was the grandmother of Savannah (Keith) Kreinhagen, Kaitlin Pupa, Meghan Sears, Lauren Pupa and Stephen J. Pupa III. She is also survived by her sisters, Laurette Scanlan and Ann Graham, many nieces and nephews, and three stepgrandchildren.

Visiting hours will be at Fountainhead Memorial Funeral Home, 7303 Babcock St., Palm Bay, on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Barefoot Bay, on Friday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Fountainhead Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pope John Paul II High School, 120 High School Road, Hyannis, MA 02601.