Joan M. (O'Connor) Henrickson, 73, of Reservoir Street in Holden, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away, Wednesday, September 13, 2006, in Memorial Hospital, with her family and best friend, Beverly Morton, at her side. Her husband, Francis P. Henrickson, predeceased her in 1982.

Joan is survived by her loving family and many friends. She leaves to continue her legacy, a son, Francis J. Henrickson and his wife Paula, and their children, Francis, Jena, MaryKate, and Robert, all of Worcester; a son, Thomas F. Henrickson and his wife Eileen, and their children, T.J., Daniel, and Jillian all of Worcester; and a son, James G. Henrickson and his wife Kimberly, and their son James and a soon to be expected grandchild all of Worcester; a daughter, Lynn A. Hakkarainen and her husband, Michael, and their children, Michael, Matthew, Joseph, Krista, Tess, and Cassandra all of Holden; and a daughter, Karen A. Laramee and her husband Richard, and their children, Timothy, Anthony, Joanie, and Caroline, all of Shrewsbury; many nieces and nephews. Three brothers, James, Thomas, and John O'Connor, all predeceased her. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of James J. and Frances (Sullivan) O'Connor. She later graduated in 1951 from South High School, and lived for many years in Shrewsbury, before moving to Holden last year.

Mrs. Henrickson worked as a telephone operator for many years at UMass – Memorial Healthcare before she retired in 1999. She had previously worked for Hahnemann Hospital, before it merged with UMass. She was most recently a member of Saint Mary's Church in Holden, having previously been a member of Our Lady of The Rosary Church in Worcester, and a former member of Saint Mary's Church in Shrewsbury. She was a member of the Dinette's, and had been a member of the Saint Mary's Church Women's Guild in Shrewsbury. She was a life long member of the S.T.K. "Sorority" sisters, from her high school. She enjoyed life and caring for those around her, but she was particularly passionate about watching her children and grandchildren, as they participated in many organized events, especially team sports.

The funeral for Joan will be held Monday, September 18, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of The Rosary Church, 25 Fales Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be held Sunday, September 17, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan's memory can be made to the American Lung Association, 5 Mountain Road, P.O. Box 265, Burlington, MA 01803.