Joanne E. Welch (1935–2026)

"Grief is the price we pay for love” Queen Elizabeth II

Joanne Elizabeth Welch, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on April 26, 2026, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

Born in Malden, Massachusetts in 1935 to James and Elizabeth Flanders, Joanne was a proud graduate of Malden High School, Class of 1953. Later in life, she worked at Eastern Bank and H&R Block, where she enjoyed helping others and building lasting friendships.

Joanne was the devoted mother of Nancy Boland, Richard Welch, and Deborah Taylor. She was the cherished grandmother and great-grandmother to Jordan Elzy, Brooklyn Elzy, Kaylie Ellison, Melissa Nestor, Rachael Elzy, Spencer Welch, Ryan Welch, Samantha Taylor, and Casey Taylor—each one the pride and joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Ralph Welch Jr.

A burial service will be held on Monday, May 11th, at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Dale Cemetery in Malden, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne’s memory may be made to The Inn at Fairview – Pollard Unit, 203 Lowell Road, Hudson, NH 03051.

Arrangements by McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, Pepperell