Joan M. O'Brien

76, of Dracut, died unexpectedly on August 15, 2008 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen. Joan was born in Cambridge, Ma on April 1, 1932 to William and Emily (Borges) Colby. She graduated from Cambridge High & Latin School. Mrs. O'Brien was employed as a health aid at Metropolitan State Hospital. Joan was the wife of the late John L. O'brien. She is survived by her brother, Walter Colby of Somerville MA, sister Shirley Sullivan of Andover MA, close cousin Stephen Dussault of Billerica MA, nieces Cynthia Fortier, Christine Guerriero, Ciara Sullivan O'Keefe, Karen Colby, Alison Campbell, Hollis Colby and nephew Drew Colby. Family and friends may call on Thursday August 21 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., METHUEN MA 01844. Funeral services will begin on Friday August 22, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. at the Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:00 a.m. in St. Francis Church, 115 Wheeler St., Dracut MA. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Pine Valley Drive, Dracut MA. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the M.S.P.C.A., 400 Broadway, Methuen MA 01844. Please visit our online guestbook at www.cataudellafh.com