Joan Marie (Bradley) McKinnon, formerly of Reading, died Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Beloved wife of 51 years to Paul. Loving mother of Michael, Kristen and Meghan all of Boston. Proud grandmother to Orla, who was a continuous source of joy to her. Much loved sister of the late William Bradley and his wife Diane of Arlington, Kevin Bradley and his wife Julie of West Yarmouth, and Ann Savino and her husband Ken of Milton and sister-in-law of Len McKinnon of CO. Joan will also be missed by her nephews, niece, aunts, cousins and many friends.
Joan was born in Cambridge to Arthur and Elaine (Bernard) Bradley. She was raised in Arlington and attended Matignon High School and later Boston College, where she formed friendships that would last her lifetime. In college, she fell in love with Paul and, by association, the game of baseball. Eager to start their lives together and raise a family, they married five days after graduation in 1970.
In 1978, with three young children, Joan and Paul moved to Reading, where they lived for the next 25 years. Joan enjoyed bringing together friends and family for backyard gatherings at the pool, holiday celebrations and dinner parties. She volunteered within the community and took pleasure in both coaching and watching softball. Joan was a teacher in the Reading Public Schools for many years and was a lifelong teacher and learner by example.
Throughout her life, she enjoyed the company of family, friends and strangers alike, and she made friends wherever she went. She found joy in most things and cherished Red Sox games with her daughters. Despite enduring serious health challenges for many years, she kept a positive outlook and was grateful.
Her family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at both Springhouse Senior Living and Hebrew Senior Life for their excellent care and the love they showed Joan. In lieu of flowers, donations to Allen House at Springhouse, would be most appreciated.
Visiting Hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St. West Roxbury on Thursday, August 5th from 9-11am followed by a Funeral Mass in Holy Name Church at 11:30am.