Joan Fagan Hoban

Joan Fagan Hoban, 87, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at her home on September 12, 2026. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Edward L. Hoban; her parents, Walter and Mildred (Deveau) Fagan; her brother, Arthur Fagan; and her granddaughter, Laurana George.

She is survived by her devoted family: her sister, Nancy (Fagan) Milani of Milford; her six children, Stacie Hopkins (husband Richard) of North Attleboro, Leo Hoban (wife Kristie) of Ayden, NC, Sheila Hoban of Attleboro, Siobhan Swanson of North Sutton, NH, Shawna Hoban of Westwood, and Stephanie Hoban of Attleboro; her grandchildren, Ryan Hopkins (wife Kristen) and Allyson Hopkins, both of North Attleboro. She also leaves behind her cherished dogs, Bruno and Millie; her grand dogs, Eddie, Ellie, Stewie, Malachi, Frank, and Beans; and her great-grand dogs, Rosie and Stella.

Born in Medford in 1939, Joan enjoyed a loving upbringing surrounded by her immediate family and a large circle of cousins, aunts, and uncles. She graduated from Medford High School in 1957 with a stenography certificate and went on to work as a legal secretary in Boston. At 18 years old, she met Edward at work, and they married a few years later when she was 22. That same year, 1961, they moved to Westwood and immediately began building their beautiful and boisterous family.

Joan had an unwavering love for her family and spent much of her time successfully orchestrating the lives of her husband and children. Amid the chaos of a large, loud household, Joan always remained calm, level-headed, and in control, though she was fierce when necessary. She was intelligent, fun, and delightfully silly. A wonderful cook, she ensured that family meals were a daily tradition.

Joan was a talented seamstress who created costumes, clothing, and quilts for herself, friends, and family. She was a shrewd card player who loved playing Cribbage, Rummy, and Bridge. She looked forward to cruising the Caribbean and Bermuda, spending most of her vacations reading in the sun. At home, she loved working on jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and she absolutely loved a good party—hosting too many to count. Her joyful sense of humor and quick wit brought a smile and a laugh to everyone she met.

Devoted in her faith, Joan was a long-time member of St. Margaret Mary’s Parish and belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America. She was involved in her community, volunteering in various classrooms at school and church, as well as in the Town Clerk’s Office. For over 10 years, she served as a crossing guard in Westwood, posted first at the Martha Jones School and later the William E. Sheehan School, where she started everyone’s day with a warm smile and a wave.

Joan had an enormous heart. Warm, caring, and easy to talk to, she always made room for friends and never met a stranger. She accepted people exactly as they were, encouraged everyone to do their best, and left anyone she encountered feeling special—like a true member of her family. She never turned away an unexpected guest, always going out of her way to make people feel comfortable, wanted, and welcomed. She will be forever missed and eternally loved.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock Street, Westwood on Sunday, September 20 from 2 - 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning, September 21, at 10 a.m. in St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High Street, Westwood.

lnterment will be private.

ln lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's memory to Second Chance Ranch Rescue, NH at https://www.secondchanceranchrescue.com/donate