Obituary of Joan M. O'Brien

Loudonville - Joan M. O’Brien, 69, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2022 at St. Peter’s Hospital with her family by her side.

Born October 5, 1952 to Eugene & Jenny Sickles of Voorheesville, Joan attended Voorheesville Central Schools & Albany Business College.

After marrying Gerald (Gerry) O’Brien in 1977, the couple relocated to Loudonville to build their life together. Joan held various positions throughout her career with Guilderland High School, Bankers Trust & Bank of America, but the job she enjoyed most was being a mom to her daughter Sharon.

Joan volunteered with the South Colonie School District PTA, & Hudson Valley Girl Scouts where she provided Medic/First Aid training to troop leaders. She was a regular blood donor & was proud that due to a rare quality, her donations were shipped throughout the country to aid infants in crisis.

Joan enjoyed gardening, annual vacations in Cape Cod, lunch with the girls, curling up with a cozy mystery & a cat on her lap, & spending time with family & friends. She is survived by her husband Gerry of Loudonville, daughter Sharon O’Brien (Trevor Oakley) of Rotterdam, many cousins & close friends.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the exceptional nurses & staff of the St. Peter’s Hospital ICU for their compassionate care & support during Joan’s final weeks.  

Funeral services will be Monday at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Calling hours will be Sunday from 3-7 PM at Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Voorheesville. Interment in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.

In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to continue Joan’s legacy by giving the gift of life & becoming a blood donor. Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ for details. Memorial contributions may be made to Whiskers Animal Benevolent League, https://www.ewhiskers.com/.