Joan Greta (Wetterland) Bolger, 88, of Fall River passed away unexpectedly on Monday December 23 ^rd , 2019.

She was the loving wife of the late Norman E. Bolger to whom she was wed for 64 years before his passing in 2015, also at the age of 88. Joan leaves 2 sons and a daughter. Steven Bolger and his wife Cheryl of North Dighton, Jeffrey Bolger and his wife Pam of Plymouth, Michigan, and Leslie Mills and her husband Todd of Mansfield. She also has 6 beloved grandchildren; Kimberly Narciso and her husband Joe, Mandy Bolger and her fiancé Derek Raposo, Mark J. Bolger, Bryan Bolger and his wife Kristen and Christian and Henry Mills; three beloved great grandchildren; Mya Lawrence and Tyler and Lukas Narciso. She leaves her sister Margaret Pacheco of North Dighton and a brother Willard (Phil) Wetterland of Florida, in addition to many nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Edward P. Wetterland of Swansea.

Joan was born in Ware, MA to the late Willard Wetterland and the late Margaret (LeClair) Wetterland on February 10 ^th , 1931. Joan's favorite birthday present was her great granddaughter Mya who was born on her birthday in 2007.

Joan worked for NE Telephone for many years before retiring in 1986. In between her years at the phone company she took time off to raise her 3 children and worked part time at Edgars Department Store.

Joan was an avid shopper and loved a sale. The retail world will miss her, especially T.J. Maxx. She seldom shopped for herself often coming home with something for everyone. Joan and her husband Norman enjoyed many years of travel, working in their yard and were especially fond of animals. Joan spent many of her younger years on her grandparent's farm and through that she instilled a love of gardening and animals in all her children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren. None of us can recall a day when there wasn't something with fur or feathers living in her house, many of them rescued strays.

She will be remembered for her carefree spirit, her generosity and simply the love she had for her family.

Arrangements are with the Almeida Funeral Home of Fall River and are private. Donations in Joan's name can be made to The Faxon Animal Rescue League of Fall River, 474 Durfee St. Fall River, MA 02720.