Joanne M. Rielly

Joanne M. (Power) Rielly, age 66, passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. She was the loving wife of Stephen M. Rielly, with whom she shared over 36 wonderful years of marriage.
Born and raised in Boston, MA, on April 16, 1959, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Catherine (Hallahan) Power. Joanne grew up in Oak Square and attended Our Lady of the Presentation School and Brighton High School.
In 1985, Joanne met her beloved husband Steve while she was living in Brighton and he in Somerville. The two were introduced by a mutual friend and had their first date seeing The Breakfast Club in theaters. It wasn't long before they fell in love and settled down together in their new home in Somersworth, NH.
Joanne and Steve raised their adoring daughter, Colleen, in Somersworth, in a home filled with love, encouragement, and support. When Colleen was young, Joanne loved being involved in all her activities. Whether she was assisting with Girl Scout camping trips or cheering her on at dance recitals, Joanne was always there as a constant source of love and encouragement. She took great pride in her little family and was never more proud than when she celebrated Colleen's graduation from the University of New Hampshire in 2014, and most recently from Boston University in August 2025.
Joanne and her family looked forward to their annual summer trips to York Beach and the Rielly family's yearly apple-picking tradition at Honey Pot Hill.
Family and friends were among the most important things in Joanne's life. She adored her sister and brother and always looked forward to catching up with them. Day trips shopping with her sister were a highlight-always including a stop at Dunks for an iced regular.
After her fall and back surgery in 2015, Joanne became a cherished member of the community at Birch Healthcare Center in Rochester, NH. She developed many joyful relationships with both staff and residents. Joanne kept busy with coloring and daily visits with Steve. Together, they would watch classic TV shows like Gunsmoke and spend quality time together over dinner.
Above all else, Joanne was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. She went to great lengths to show the people in her life that she cared and took immense pride in the beautiful family and friendships she built.
Along with her adoring husband Steve, Joanne is survived by her devoted daughter Colleen Rielly of Boston, her loving brother Paul Power of Watertown, her dear friend and brother-in-law Steve Clarke, her precious grand-cat Zeus, and many other beloved relatives and friends.
Joanne is predeceased by her loving sister Cathleen Power, her cherished parents, Leo and Catherine Power, and her beloved aunt and uncle, Ellen and Moe Vautier.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Saturday, November 1st, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 2 p.m. Burial will take place in the spring at the request of the family.