Salem - Mrs. Joan Marie (McGrane) O'Connor, 85, of Salem, loving wife of the late James Christopher O'Connor, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Beverly Hospital with her family by her side.

Born in Salem, Joan was the daughter of the late George and Frances (Gabrielski) McGrane. She was raised and educated in Salem, graduating from Salem High School.

Professionally, Mrs. O'Connor worked for the City of Salem in different avenues, always surrounded by the children of Salem as a crossing guard and within food services of the school systems. She loved the city of Salem and being with the youth, encouraging her young soul and fun nature.

In her free time, Joan loved being at the beach, playing Bingo or talking walks around the Salem Common with her friends. She loved a simple life, filled with laughter and fun, enjoying several trips to the casino with her family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joan is survived by her children, Christopher O'Connor of Salem and Karen O'Connor of Salem; her beloved grandson, George LeVasseur and his wife, Brooke and her great-grandson, Jameson LeVasseur all of Danvers. She is also survived by siblings, Sandra Babiarz, Carol Gillis and her husband, Larry, and Gail Markowicz and her husband, Joseph; sister-in-law, Janice McGrane and several nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her parents, George and Frances, beloved husband James, her brother, Thomas McGrane, and brother-in-law, Bob Babiarz.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joan's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem, on Tuesday, February 10th at 12 p.m. with her burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, in Nahant. Visiting hours will be held prior to her service from 10 a.m. to 12 (NOON). In lieu of flowers donations in Joan's memory may be made to Shriners Children's, Attn: Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 1525, Ransom, WV 25438. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.