Reilly, Joan H. (Harlow) of Bolton, formerly of Weston and Rockport. Passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at The Linden in Danvers, MA, surrounded by her family and caregivers.
Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband, Peter, and her parents, Frances and Robert Harlow of Weston, MA. She is survived by her brother, Robert M. Harlow Jr. of Cambridge, MA; her sister, Susan H. McGillicuddy and her brother-in-law, John Michael McGillicuddy; her niece, Mary Elizabeth McGillicuddy, and her nephew, Michael McGillicuddy, all of Rockport, MA. Joan grew up in Weston, MA, eagerly anticipating the summers she spent in Rockport. At a young age, she developed a love for animals, and she was known for rescuing stray rabbits and birds and nursing them back to health. She graduated from Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in 1970 and attended Garland Junior College. In 1975, she met and later married the love of her life, Peter Reilly. She worked at Filene’s in Wellesley for many years before deciding to focus on her home life in Bolton, MA.
Joan loved to cook, a hobby she inherited from her mother. She expressed her love for her friends by cooking for them, hosting apple-pressing parties in the fall and pool parties in the summer. Joan was content to spend the day tending to her impressive garden and was known for adding new animals to her homestead. Over the years, goats, chickens, pigs, and more were lucky to find themselves under Joan's care. Of all of Joan's animals, her most beloved was her dog Saucy, a mutt who never left her side. Joan will be remembered for her kindness, her infectious laughter, and her warm smile. She was a gentle soul and will be greatly missed by all she touched. The family would like to express their utmost gratitude to Cheryl and the wonderful caregivers at The Linden.
Visitation at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. Wellesley, on Wednesday, July 10, from 4-7PM. Funeral from the funeral home on Thursday, July 11, at 10AM followed by a funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, 9 Glen Rd. Wellesley Hills at 11AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joan’s memory to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930.