Joan (Hanna) Troy

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Joan (Hanna) Troy, a loving and devoted wife, mother, family member and friend. She brought a special joy to all the lives she touched. At the grand age of 95 years, she left us on February 16, 2021. Despite recent health challenges, she faced life with courage, and a full heart made possible by her deep faith in God.

Raised in Brighton, Joan moved to Newton in 2008. She was the devoted daughter of the late Julia T and the late Patrick J. Breen. She married the love of her life, Francis J. Troy on April 19, 1948 but lost him much too soon in 1975. Her daughter, Joan Marie was also the blessed recipient of her abundant love. Joan was the sister of the late Judy Breen CSJ and the late Harold Breen and his wife, Maxine. And adopted sister of Mary Ellen Breen Ryan. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, cousins, well as her numerous friends.

A talented Business Manager, she had two careers. She worked for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for over 20 years. She raised millions of dollars for patient services and research and rose to the position of District Director, one of the first women to achieve this level of responsibility. Upon retiring for MDA, she began her second career when she became Business Manager for the Sacred Heart Parish in Newton. There she was a valued colleague, offered assistance to those seeking help and welcomed everyone with whom she came in contact with an open heart. She loved her time at Sacred Heart and worked there for another 20 years. Joan was a gifted person, a loving and generous soul who will be sorely missed by all especially her grand-pup, Maddie.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Sat Feb 20 at 12 Noon in Sacred Heart Church followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Brighton. A visiting hour will be held in the church prior to the Mass from 10:45 until 11:45. Those attending the services are required to follow COVID 19 protocols, wear face masks and socially distance.

You can watch a livestream of Joan’s Mass at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89784723166?pwd=Z2dxS2JkaEJzUEl4WkFLcmoyWlo1Zz09.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Joan’s name to Sacred Heart Church, 1317 Centre Street, Newton, MA. 02459. 

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