Joan M. Liarikos

Joan M. (Saunders) Liarikos, 93, of Rochester, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025 after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late George F. Liarikos, Jr., with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Captain Herman R. and Matilda M. (O'Reilly) Saunders, she lived in Acushnet for many years before moving to Rochester.

She was a graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy in Fairhaven. She later worked as a telephone operator for the New England Telephone Company for 27 years until her retirement.

Joan was known for her generosity and her fun-loving personality. She had a great sense of humor and was always full of fun.

Survivors include two children, Peter J. Liarikos of Nashua, NH, and Jo-Ann O'Malley and her husband David of Rochester, and her son-in-law, Brian Mayall of New Bedford. She was adored by her grandchildren, Brittany Taylor, of West Barnstable, Peter Fortin of Acushnet, and Lauren and Austin O'Malley of Rochester, as well as three great-grandchildren, Carter, Cole, and Blake of West Barnstable.

She was predeceased by her husband; George F. Liarikos, Jr.; her son George F. Liarikos, III; and her daughters, Karen Liarikos-Mayall and Susan E. Fortin. She was the sister of the late Katherine F. Sullivan, Mary M. Welch, Herman R., Albert E., Jack, Paul F., Richard T., Daniel J., and Thomas F. Saunders.

Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 11:30 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown. Private burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.