Obituary

Joan Sadie DeCoste Holland, age 90, of Bridgewater, MA, formerly of Brockton, MA, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born on September 3, 1935, to Charles and Rita DeCoste. She was a graduate of St. Patrick's School, Class of 1953. A devoted Catholic, Joan was a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick's Church in Brockton and later St. Ann's Church in West Bridgewater. She was employed by McCarthy's Department Store and Asthma & Allergy Physicians, but anyone who knew Joan understood that her most important role was that of matriarch of her family—a role she fulfilled with love, dedication, and grace.

Joan was the loving wife of James Holland, Sr., who passed away in 2022. They were married in 1958 and shared 64 happy years together. Joan enjoyed trips to casinos, bingo, dominoes, and cruising, and she was an avid knitter, creating cherished handmade pieces that will be treasured for years to come. Although camping was not her favorite activity, she happily participated because it brought joy to her husband and family. Above all, Joan was a devoted mother in countless ways.

Joan is survived by her four children: Edward Holland and his wife Marcia; Donna Simonetti and her husband Donald; John Holland and his wife Deborah; and James Holland, Jr., and his wife Dawn. She also leaves behind a beautiful legacy of 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband, James Holland, Sr., and her sister, Carol DeCoste Mitchell.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 24th in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 441 S. Main St., West Bridgewater from 9:00-11:00 AM, with a service to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment in Pine Hill Cemetery.

Joan expressed in lieu of flowers, she would appreciate donations to The Bridgewater Senior Center.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan (Decoste) Holland, please visit our flower store.

Services

Visitation

Calendar
January
24

Russell & Pica Funeral Home - West Bridgewater

441 S. Main St., West Bridgewater, MA 02379

9:00 - 11:00 am

Service

Calendar
January
24

Russell & Pica Funeral Home - West Bridgewater

441 S. Main St., West Bridgewater, MA 02379

Starts at 11:00 am

Joan (Decoste) Holland's Guestbook

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