Joann E. Forkin

Waltham – Long active in politics…Joann Forkin would encourage family, friends and those given the privilege of being able to vote to be certain to elect the Democratic candidates and cover the map with more blue states. And by virtue of her death on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at age 89 and this subsequent obituary…she encourages the same in future elections.

Joann E. Dorey was born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1929 in Marlborough the only child to the late Arthur and Mabel (Flaherty) Dorey. Raised and educated in Watertown, she was a graduate of Watertown High School. She then earned her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Emmanuel College in Boston. She had aspirations of working in forensics with the Federal Bureau of Investigation but her career took her to work with Liberty Mutual. Subsequently, she met and later married Waltham native John V. Forkin in Saint Patrick's Church in Watertown on June 27, 1953. They were Waltham residents and, after the births of her daughters, she stayed at home to raise them. John died in October 14, 2009.

In early years, she loved time at White Horse Beach in Manomet with family and friends. She was genuinely interested in the lives of her daughters, grandchildren and friends. Active in the Waltham League of Women Voters,she enjoyed conversation about politics on local, state and national platforms. Joann was a voracious reader.

She leaves her daughters, Joanne E. Forkin (Mark Loudermilch) of Tulum, Mexico and Mary T. Forkin of Waltham as well as her grandchildren, Max Loudermilch and Dorey Forkin.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joann's life by gathering for a calling hour in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Saturday, December 1st from 3 to 4 p.m. followed by her funeral service at 4 p.m. Burial in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham is private.

Memorials in her name may be made to The Friends of the Waltham Public Library, 735 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451 or National Kidney Association, 209 W Central St, Natick, MA 01760.