Joyce A. Knowles

Joyce A. (DiTullio) Knowles, age 85, of Quincy, died peacefully, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Pat Roche Hospice Home in Hingham.

Joyce was born in Boston, to the late Alfred and Josephine (Iacovello) DiTullio, and was raised in Quincy. She was a graduate of Archbishop Williams High School, Class of 1957, and attended Regis College. She forged many friendships at Regis, remaining lifelong friends with Ellen Baer. Listening to Joyce and Ellen reminisce about their past was a true testament to a lifelong friendship.

Referring to Joyce as a people person is a huge understatement. Joyce was happiest when she was with friends, family, and any and all social events! There was not an invitation to a party or social gathering that Joyce would not RSVP "will attend"! Once you met Joyce, there was no way you could not become her friend, and in some cases, her adopted family. It was impossible as she welcomed friendship to everyone and anyone who was lucky enough to have had that opportunity. Her vibrant personality and beautiful smile were perfect attributes for her career choices.

In her 55+ years in the work force, Joyce chose all types of employment. They all included working with people, beginning with The Company Theatre in Boston, assistant at the professional school of bartending in Boston, manager of the Artists Bazaar Art Store in Hyannis, manager of the plaza bar at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston (where she loved to talk about all the famous guests she got to meet!), and an event coordinator at the New England Aquarium. She also participated in fashion shows for the famous Yolanda's Bridal Salon and was a catering sales manager at the former Sheraton Tara Hotel in Braintree. Joyce also held the title years back as the president of the Wollaston Women's Club of Quincy. But her favorite job by far was her last. Joyce worked as a wedding cake sales consultant at the famous Montilio's Bakery of the South Shore in Braintree for over 30 years. She was so proud and felt so privileged to work with George Montilio and his team, including daughters Elissa and Jenna, assisting future brides and grooms with choosing the designs and flavors for their wedding cakes as well as many other special events.

Joyce enjoyed years of many "Merry Adventures" (Mom and Kerry) with daughter Kerry, a flight attendant. They loved their travels together domestically as well as trips abroad to London, Paris, Italy, the Caribbean islands, and the yearly trips to Aruba with dear friends, Frank Poltack and Steve Cobe and their Aruba family at ABC. Every year Joyce and Kerry would also look forward to their stay at their favorite little cottage rental in Dennisport. Any time spent together was filled with so many laughs and so much fun - that was the goal of the "Merry Adventures" of Mom and Kerry.

Beloved wife for twenty years of the late Warren E. "Mr. Bill" O'Blenes. Joyce and Bill loved fine dining and their yearly trips to Aruba and spending the winters in West Palm Beach, Florida with their friends.

Devoted mother of Kimberly Knowles of Quincy, Kerry Knowles and her longtime partner and Joyce's dear friend of over thirty years David Callaghan of Quincy. She was predeceased by her twin daughters, Kristen and Karen Knowles.

Sister of David A. DiTullio, Quincy Fire Department, Retired of Braintree and his late wife Carolyn.

Loving aunt of David DiTullio of Hanover and the late Lisa Marie DiTullio.

"Bestie" and BFF for over eighty years of the late Adrienne C. Clarke.

Former wife of Charles Knowles of Braintree.

Joyce is also survived by many cousins.



At the request of the family, services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce's memory may be made to the Pat Roche Hospice Home, c/o Norwell VNA and Hospice, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061.

Joyce's family would like to acknowledge Laurie Clarke, Janice Cahill, Elena Stranberg, Nick Crockett, and Maria for their support.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy. You are invited to visit www.thesweeneybrothers.com or call 617-472-6344.