Joan Mary Santos

Joan (Fanning) Santos, 91, of Sandwich, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at The Residence at Pearl Street’s memory care unit in Reading, with her two devoted daughters by her side.

Born and raised in the Germantown section of Quincy, Joan was one of seven children of Joseph and Dorothy Fanning—and the last surviving member of that gregarious, close-knit family.

In 1955, Joan married her Quincy High School sweetheart, John Santos. Together, they built a strong and loving partnership that lasted until his passing from cancer in 2001. They raised five children in the Wollaston neighborhood, nurturing a home filled with warmth, care, and commitment.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Karin Samatis of Reading and Doreen Manning of Shirley. She was predeceased by her beloved children Brenda O’Brien, Joanne Santos, and John A. Santos. She also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren—William (Will) Samatis, Elizabeth (Liz) Samatis, Shaun O’Brien, Griffin Manning, Texas Manning, Cole Manning, and Tallulah Manning—along with one great-granddaughter, Kaylee Samatis, and nearly 40 nieces and nephews who all adored her.

In the late 1980s, Joan and John began spending weekends at a quaint trailer home on Cape Cod, often joined by several of Joan’s siblings. After retirement, they settled permanently in Sandwich, where Joan found joy in quiet mornings by Peter’s Pond, summer weekends surrounded by her children and grandchildren, and a vibrant circle of friends. She embraced her community through quilting circles, the Red Hat Society, and by delivering Meals on Wheels. True to her nature, Joan was never one to sit still and—always the gracious host—was happiest when feeding her guests a homemade treat.

Known affectionately as Mimi by her grandchildren, Joan will be remembered for her quiet strength, her vast array of warm and vibrant quilts (many of which were given as treasured gifts), and the creative spirit she passed on to two generations of artists. Her life was a testament to grace, resilience, and the enduring power of family.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Monday June 16, 2025, from 4-7 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:45 AM on Tuesday June 17, 2025, prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Ann’s Church, Quincy at 10:30 AM. Burial in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton.

Joan is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband John, daughters: Brenda and Joanne, and her son, John.