Becky Hurlburt, Cornwall’s social services director, oversees the town’s food pantry, which she said is serving a high volume of residents seeking assistance amid rising need.
Pockets of Poverty: A Northwest Corner Series
Poverty in the Northwest Corner doesn’t define an entire town. Instead, it exists in quieter pockets — apartments above storefronts, income-restricted housing and older homes where seniors and working residents struggle to keep pace with rising costs.
Pockets of Poverty is a series examining where financial hardship exists in Region One towns, what is driving it and how communities are responding.
Behind the Northwest Corner’s image of rural affluence, demand for basic support is rising sharply.
At the Community Health & Wellness Center, the region’s only federally qualified health center, patient visits climbed to about 37,000 in 2025, serving 7,212 individuals — roughly 600 more patients than the year before.
At the Corner Food Pantry in Lakeville, the number of families served jumped from 6,218 in 2024 to 7,798 in 2025, while the number of individuals served rose from 27,442 to 35,703.
Taken together, the numbers point to a quieter crisis unfolding across the Region One towns, where working families, seniors and long-time residents are increasingly relying on town social services offices, food pantries and health clinics to cover gaps in housing, food, health care and energy costs.
On a typical weekday, that informal safety net is already at work.
Municipal social services offices often serve as the first point of contact for residents seeking help. In Sharon, social service agent Melia Hill said the people coming in are often working households or retirees on fixed incomes.
“South Main Street is lined with mansions,” Hill said, “but poverty is here and it’s prevalent.”
Hill said requests for assistance — particularly for groceries and basic needs — have risen sharply in recent years. In response, she has expanded coordination with The Corner Food Pantry, helping residents who are unable to access it during regular hours.
Hardship in Sharon, she said, is not concentrated in one place, but is spread throughout the community.
“There are people who could describe what they’re doing as a sort of couch-surfing,” Hill said, noting that it is not unusual for residents to rely on temporary living arrangements with friends or family.
In North Canaan, social worker MaryBeth Wabrek said rising energy costs are compounding financial strain for households already living paycheck to paycheck.
“When people are using whatever disposable income they might have for energy costs, it’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul,” Wabrek said.
That pressure, she said, often falls hardest on residents who earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance programs but still struggle to meet basic expenses.
“Low-income people have got SNAP and are eligible for so much assistance,” she said. “But people who are not necessarily low income, that’s who is getting hit pretty hard.”
Even when help is available, stigma can prevent people from seeking it.
“We have a lot of resources, and so many people are eligible for assistance,” Wabrek said, “but a lot really don’t want their personal business to be out there.”
Stressed systems in Cornwall
In Cornwall — one of the state’s smallest towns, with about 3,200 residents — social service agent Becky Hurlburt said demand is highest among older residents living alone and, to a lesser extent, larger families.
Fuel assistance remains the most common request. But a quieter concern, town officials say, is growing social isolation.
“A lot of people come in and just want to talk,” Hurlburt said.
First Selectman Gordon Ridgway said the challenges facing residents are increasingly complex, often involving overlapping issues tied to health, housing and access to care.
“The number one pressure point is health,” Ridgway said. “Our systems are being stressed as people are stressed. We now have much more complicated cases of mental illness, which can sometimes be combined with housing insecurity and a lack of healthcare resources.”
In response, the town has partnered with Greenwoods Counseling to expand access to behavioral health services, including for school-age residents. Officials are also working to keep seniors connected through programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department, while exploring cross-training town staff to serve as emergency medical responders.
“The most important thing a community can do is pick people up when they’re down, whether emotionally or physically,” Ridgway said.
Housing shortages reshape the Northwest Corner
Housing costs remain one of the most significant barriers for residents trying to remain in the Northwest Corner.
Median home prices in towns such as Salisbury now approach $1 million, while rental housing remains scarce across the Region One towns. Many available rentals are single-family homes rather than apartments, with monthly rents often exceeding $2,000.
“Litchfield County has become a vacation and second-home market layered on top of a rural housing market,” said Brierley Lloyd Hannan, a realtor with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. “Those two conditions often result in housing scarcity and premium pricing.”
Large minimum lot sizes — typically between two and five acres — further limit housing density, she said.
“As a result, most rentals here are single-family homes owned by individuals rather than multi-family buildings operated by developers or rental companies.”
John Harney, a Salisbury real estate broker and president of the Salisbury Housing Trust, said the shortage affects both buyers and renters.
“Both home ownership and rentals are in short supply,” Harney said.
Zoning regulations, aging housing stock and limited development opportunities have long constrained efforts to expand housing options.
“Zoning has historically been designed to restrict affordable housing by focusing on single-family homes on two-acre parcels,” Harney said.
He also pointed to ongoing tensions between conservation priorities and housing needs.
“There is a tension between conservation land trusts and community land trusts,” Harney said, suggesting that some land donors could reserve small portions of conserved land for affordable housing.
Housing debates often reflect broader concerns about preserving the region’s rural character.
“It’s a real tension,” Hannan said. “But many people recognize that farmers, teachers, health care workers and young families need places to live in the communities they serve.”
At the same time, housing advocates say progress is being made through regional collaboration.
Jocelyn Ayer, director of the Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity, said her organization is working with local nonprofits to advance affordable housing projects across the region.
Together, those groups currently have 209 affordable rental homes and 21 affordable homeownership units in development across 12 towns, she said.
“None of this would be possible without the many volunteers who serve on the boards of these local housing nonprofits and town housing commissions,” Ayer said. “They donate countless hours to identify projects, conduct community outreach and maintain housing over time.”
Health providers see the strain firsthand
Health care providers say the region’s economic pressures are becoming increasingly visible in exam rooms.
Joanne Borduas, chief executive officer of Community Health & Wellness Center, said most patients served by the nonprofit health system live at or near the federal poverty line.
She estimated that roughly 65% of patients live at or below the federal poverty level, while another 32% fall between 101% and 200% of that threshold — a group often described as ALICE households.
For a single person, the federal poverty line is about $15,000. Yet in northwest Connecticut, a single adult earning between $15,000 and $38,000 a year can still fall below the ALICE survival budget, which measures the income needed to cover basic living costs and sits well above the federal poverty line.
For a family of four, the federal poverty line is about $30,000. But households earning between $30,000 and $116,000 in the region can still fall short of meeting basic living expenses, according to ALICE measures.
“These are families who work hard but earn just above the poverty line,” Borduas said. “They often don’t qualify for many types of assistance, but they’re still struggling to survive.”
Food insecurity remains one of the most common challenges clinicians encounter.
“We continue to see food insecurity as one of the top issues,” she said, noting that the organization has secured grant funding to establish food closets at each of its three locations.
Health insurance costs are also rising sharply. Borduas said premiums have increased by as much as 35% in some cases, forcing difficult choices for families.
In one example, she said, a family of four saw monthly premiums increase from $798 to $2,425.
Faced with those costs, some residents forgo insurance altogether.
“They tell us they’re taking their chances, because they have a family to feed and bills to pay,” Borduas said.
Economic stress is also driving increased demand for behavioral health services, while provider shortages have extended wait times for care.
Housing affordability, she added, is compounding those challenges.
“The housing market for most families is unaffordable,” Borduas said. “Without providers, we limit access to care.”
Food pantries and volunteers step in
Much of the day-to-day response to hardship across the Northwest Corner is carried out by nonprofit organizations and volunteers.
At the Corner Food Pantry in Lakeville, co-president Holly Kempner said the rise in demand over the past year marks the largest increase since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These are the largest increases since COVID,” Kempner said.
At another regional pantry, Fishes & Loaves, which operates out of Pilgrim House in North Canaan, executive director Louise Riley said about 120 people visit the walk-in pantry each month.
Riley said uncertainty surrounding SNAP eligibility could place additional strain on local food systems.
“The outlook is definitely uncertain because cutbacks will have a ripple effect,” she said.
What remains constant, she added, is the role of volunteers.
“The volunteers are the backbone of our organizations.”
A small measure of relief
For Lakeville resident Janet Lynn — whose struggles were detailed in Part One — the pressures of rising costs remain a daily reality.
But last week brought a measure of good news.
Dental services are expected to resume at Community Health & Wellness Center’s Torrington site in mid-April and will also be available at its Winsted location, according to Borduas.
The service had been suspended in 2025 due to financial shortfalls, including insufficient Medicaid reimbursement rates, leaving a gap in care for low-income patients.
Lynn, who said she needs extensive dental work and has struggled to find affordable care since the program ended, said the reopening offers a measure of relief.
But across the Northwest Corner, the pressures driving more residents to seek help show little sign of easing.
Residents do not need to be unemployed to qualify, as most food pantries require proof of residence, not proof of income.
If unsure where to start, residents can contact United Way of Northwest Connecticut for guidance.
Assistance is confidential, and there are no questions about immigration status.
For emergencies — including the loss of housing, utility shutoffs or domestic violence — contact FISH of Northwestern Connecticut or the Susan B. Anthony Project immediately.
The following organizations serve individuals and families in the Northwest Corner facing poverty, food insecurity, housing instability and financial hardship. This list represents a cross section of available resources.
United Way 211 is a free, confidential 24/7 service that connects individuals with local community resource specialists who help find assistance for food, housing, utility payments, mental health and emergency needs. Dial 2-1-1 or visit their website.
Kent Food Bank
Lower level of the Kent Community House, 93 North Main St., 860-927-1586
The Corner Food Pantry
Serves Lakeville, Salisbury, and surrounding towns, contact@thecornerfoodpantry.org860-435-9886
Sharon Food Pantry
Sharon Town Hall/Social Services, 63 Main Street, Sharon 860-364-1003
Cornwall Public Assistance/Food Pantry
Cornwall Town Hall. Email Cornwallsocialservices@gmail.com 860-671-0325
Friendly Hands Food Bank
The largest food pantry in Litchfield County, www.friendlyhandsfoodbanknwct.org, 860-482-3338
FISH of Northwestern Connecticut
Provides emergency food, shelter, utilities, crisis support, www.fishnwct.orgor 860-482-7300
Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry
Serving North Canaan, Falls Village and Norfolkwww.fishesandloavespantrynorthcanaanct.org, 860-824-0058
Norfolk Food Pantry
Community-based food distribution, www.norfolkfoodpantry.org, 860-542-5721
Susan B. Anthony Project
Domestic violence services, emergency shelter, advocacy, www.sbaproject.org 860-482-7133, 24-hour hotline: 888-773-2724
Salvation Army Torrington Corps
Food assistance, seasonal aid, referrals, easternusa.salvationarmy.org/torrington, 860-480-2369
United Way of Northwest Connecticut
Financial coaching, childcare support, crisis referrals, www.northwestunitedway.org 860-482-1266
Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation
Funds and coordinates local poverty-relief nonprofits, www.yournccf.org860-435-5959
Connecticut Foodshare
Supplies food pantries statewide, including Northwest Connecticut, www.ctfoodshare.org
Compiled by Debra A. Aleksinas.
Natalia Zukerman
Blues musician James Montgomery
When the Rock n’ Roll Circus rolls into Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk on Saturday, April 11, it will bring together an all-star lineup of musicians and a mission that reaches far beyond the stage.
Presented by Rockin’ 4 Vets, this concert will benefit the United Way of Northwest Connecticut’s “Stock the Shelves” program, which supports food pantries across the region. The United Way, part of a national network founded in the late 19th century, has long worked to mobilize communities in support of local health, education and financial stability initiatives, efforts that continue today through programs like Stock the Shelves, which helps ensure families have access to essential food resources.
It’s a dual mission that founder of Rockin’ 4 Vets Jim Tirabassi described simply: “We put on the show for a dual purpose — to make people happy and to support local causes.”
What began in 2015 as V is for Veterans has evolved into Rockin’ 4 Vets, a production company built around benefit concerts supporting veterans and community needs. Tirabassi, a former rock tour manager, said the work is less about music than mission. “I love building things and I love the idea of building these shows for a purpose.”
This year’s purpose has shifted a bit. “We are seeing that veterans and non-veterans have the same issues in terms of food access,” Tirabassi said. “So, we figured we’d make it a broad-based thing and do it for the food pantries throughout New England.”
The show itself promises to deliver on its “house party” promise with high-energy, high-octane rock and blues featuring Grammy-nominated guitarist Jon Butcher, former Epic Records artist Steve Gaspár and New England blues legend James Montgomery, along with a horn section and a rotating cast of accomplished players.
“It’s a bunch of people who actually like each other which is always a good starting point,” Montgomery said. “In the case of me and Jon Butcher, we’ve been playing together for something like 50 years.”
That chemistry extends beyond the stage. “We get together a few times a year and brush up,” Montgomery said. “We’ve been doing this long enough to understand how to put something together in sound check that’s actually gonna really gel.”
For Montgomery, who has performed with everyone from B.B. King to The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt and James Brown, the spirit of the event is as important as the music. “We have a superstar lineup and then the added feature is we raise money to put food on the shelves.”
The collaboration has a long history. Montgomery was an early supporter of Tirabassi’s effort to assist veterans; an effort rooted in Tirabassi’s own service. “I was in the Army in the early ’70s,” Tirabassi said, adding that his organization now focuses on issues like PTSD, addiction and homelessness.
“I am a very fortunate person,” Tirabassi said. “My wife and I live fairly well and don’t have to worry about where our next meal’s coming from, but we were on a trip through New England last fall and we saw so many food banks with police directing traffic. People just trying to get some food. It was so bad and it broke both our hearts,” he continued. That moment of clarity became a driving force for this year’s show.
“What we’re trying to do is help society in general,” he said. “And when people come to the show, they’re part of that.”
Montgomery, a lifelong road warrior and harmonica player known for his work with artists from Muddy Waters to Gregg Allman, still lights up when talking about the energy of live performance and the connection it creates.
“It’s a really, really great place to play,” he said of Infinity Hall. “It feels really intimate when you play there.”
And in that intimate setting, the Rock n’ Roll Circus aims to do what it does best: bring people together through music while helping make sure more families have food on their tables.
Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at infinityhall.com.
Lakeville Journal
MILLERTON — Robert Donald “Bob” Stevens, 63, a lifelong area resident died unexpectedly on Monday evening, March 30, 2026, at his home in Millerton, New York. Bob had a 40-year career with the Town of North East Highway Department where he currently served as the Town of North East Highway Superintendent for nearly two decades. One of Bob’s proudest accomplishments was seeing the completion of the new Town of North East Highway Department Facility on Route 22 in Millerton.
Born Dec. 20, 1962, in Sharon, he was the son of the late Kenneth W. and Roberta K. (Briggs) Stevens. Bob was a 1981 graduate ofWebutuck High School in Amenia, he also attended BOCES Technical School in Salt Point, New York, while enrolled at Webutuck. Bob served his community for many years as an active member of the Millerton Fire Company and was a longtime member of the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Inc., where he always enjoyed attending highway training school in Lake Placid. Bob really enjoyed traversing the local roadways in Millerton in his iconic orange pick-up truck, and could often be seen at all hours of the day and night making sure that the main roads and side roads were in the best possible condition for his friends and neighbors. Bob loved the Town of North East and he will be dearly missed by those he served throughout his decades long career. In his spare time, he enjoyed texting with his son Robert, time on the Hudson River and rebuilding engines for many friends in his younger years.
Bob is survived by his son, Robert Donald Stevens, Jr., and his partner Elizabeth Gillett of Austin, Texas; his sister, Donna M. Archer of Rockledge, Pennsylvania; his nephew Josh Archer and his wife, Ashley Archer Monteiro of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania; his aunt, Annette Shaffer; his uncle, Frederick G. Briggs and many good friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his aunt, June Briggs.
At Bob’s request there will be no calling hours. Private entombment in The Community Mausoleum will take place at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, 342 South Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY.
Special stories, reflections of Bob and condolence offerings can be sent to Bob’s son at Robert.Stevens.Jr@gmail.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Millerton Fire Company, P.O. Box 733, Millerton, NY 12546. To send an online condolence to the family or to plant a tree in Bob’s memory, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546.
Lakeville Journal
CANAAN — Lucille A. Mikesell passed away peacefully on April 3 with family at her home in Canaan Valley, Connecticut. She was 106.
Born on Sept. 5, 1919 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, she was the daughter of William Harvey Cohea, of Mason, Illinois, and Lillian Amanda Williams of Morley, Iowa. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids in 1937, and married her husband, Ralph J. Mikesell in 1938.
Lucille lived through over a century of dramatic change including a childhood interrupted by the Great Depression. During World War II she was employed at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids while her husband served in the Army Corp of Engineers in the South Pacific. Later she worked for and retired from American States Insurance Company as a claims specialist
Lucille was very active in volunteer work after her retirement. She was an original member of the R.S.V.P. Golden Warblers Chorus for 20 years in Cedar Rapids and volunteered at Truman Elementary, also in Cedar Rapids, for 14 years in the reading program.
With her lovely soprano voice she found great joy in singing. She participated in the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale and spent over 50 years as a devoted member of the Christ Church Presbyterian choir in Cedar Rapids. At the spry age of 95, when she moved to live with her daughter, Lillie Mikesell in Canaan Valley, she joined the St. John’s Episcopal Church choir in Salisbury where her daughter was Music Director.
Her lifelong love affair with all things Iowa included a deep engagement with Iowa sports. Even after her move to Connecticut she avidly followed all the Iowa teams.
Lucille’s living family members include her daughter, Lillie and spouse Karen Byers of Canaan Valley, grandsons Blake Mikesell of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jeffrey David Mikesell of Boulder City, Nevada, granddaughters Suzi Wojciechowski of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Nicole Pollock (Marc) of Amana, Iowa, and great granddaughters, Ellah Mikesell of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Hailey Pollock of Amana, Iowa.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph J. Mikesell of Council Bluffs, Iowa, her son, Jonathan David Mikesell, also of Cedar Rapids, and her beloved little brother, William Harvey Cohea, Jr., late of Columcille in Bangor, Pennsylvania.
The family thanks Sally Strano, CNA and longtime friend Teri Miller for their unflagging friendship and support of Lucille, and Eilene Rydel, R.N. for her gentle home hospice care.
Memorial donations can be made in her name to a favorite place: The Douglas Library, 108 Main Street, North Canaan. CT, 06018.
A private service will be held.
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Sally Haver
John Carter
"The human cost of current ICE practices is appallingly high."
—John carter
John Carter, who served as rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury from 1999 until his retirement in 2014, launched the first iteration of the nonprofit Vecinos Seguros 1 (Safe Neighbors) in 2017 by introducing a misa, a Spanish-language worship service, at Trinity Lime Rock Episcopal Church.
In December 2024, amid concerns over a renewed federal crackdown on immigrants, a group of volunteers revived the program as Vecinos Seguros 2 (VS2). According to its 2025 annual report, the initiative “created a network of trusted allies to help those who may be targeted by immigration enforcement agents,” taking a low-key approach that prioritizes in-person connections.
Carter arrived at his calling by a circuitous route. After graduating from Yale, he joined the Peace Corps, then returned to his hometown of Milton, Mass., where he founded and ran the Carter Tree Co. for seven years. After closing the business, he attended Virginia Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity. During that time, he and his wife, Deborah, were involved in the hunger movement. Carter said every venture he undertook was made possible by Deborah, whom he described as his constant companion and indispensable partner in his pursuit of compassion and justice. Still, he questioned himself: “Who am I, and what should I be doing that I’m passionate about?”
John Carter and his wife DeborahPhoto by Deborah Carter
In the face of new challenges, volunteers joined the effort to revive the original program, VS1. The Rev. Heidi Truax, recently retired rector of Trinity Lime Rock, has been a strong supporter of Vecinos Seguros from its inception. Glenn Formica, an immigration attorney from New Haven, gave a presentation informing the community about the second Trump administration’s amended policies. Formica also generated written materials in English and Spanish, advising private citizens and employers how to prepare in the event of a visit from ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). William Tong, Connecticut’s attorney general, a proponent of many social justice issues, including the opioid crisis and fair pricing for generic drugs, has also provided support since the establishment of Vecinos Seguros.
The VS2 steering committee, which includes Carter, is led by Jill Drew, a local civic leader. Drew has worked with Judiciary Committee co-chairmen Gary Winfield and Steven Stafstrom in support of SB 91, a proposal by Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont to limit ICE actions in “protected areas,” including schools, hospitals and religious buildings. She has also supported HB 5499, which would place limits on the use of automated license plate readers, addressing concerns that the Trust Act is being circumvented through technology deployed for other purposes. Other committee members include Amy Lake and Lee and Sophia DeBoer.
VS2 has launches a range of initiatives, including distributing “know your rights” flyers; creating an online resource with local legal and social services for immigrants; hosting in-person events to educate neighbors and train volunteers; organizing a rapid response team to verify reported immigration enforcement activity and support those affected; providing financial assistance for legal expenses, rent and utilities; and advising employers — from farms and restaurants to stores and private homes — on how to protect workers if immigration agents arrive.
As the annual report states: “We are committed to building on the powerful work of Rev. Carter, who, in the first seven years of Vecinos Seguros, assisted a significant number of individuals and families. It is our mission to continue this important work.”
Few descriptions capture the moment more clearly than Carter’s own words:
“The human cost of current ICE practices is appallingly high. Evidence of the brutality and cruelty of these practices is everywhere. Minneapolis is a recent and egregious example. ICE enforcement is doing much more than deporting individuals. It is also the systematic destruction of families. According to some reports, 90% of deportees are male. They are husbands, partners and fathers, often the primary contributors to family finances. There is heartbreak, trauma and stress experienced by the families left behind. The humanitarian response to the violence and chaos in Minneapolis is inspirational and instructive. Both citizens and immigrants came to the aid of residents living in fear and peril. It should be noted that people of color, whether their status was legal or undocumented, were also deeply shaken by what they witnessed in their communities.”
Carter also described how communities responded. That out of devastation, he said, came something else:
“A new word was born out of the compassionate response in Minneapolis: ‘neighboring.’ In caring for each other, they were ‘neighboring.’ The mission of Vecinos Seguros 2 is to ‘neighbor’ members of the immigrant community whose lives have been turned upside down by current immigration policies.”
Lakeville Journal
EAST CANAAN — Anthony Louis Veronesi , 84, of 216 Rocky Mountain Way in Arden, NC formerly of East Canaan, died March 26, 2026 at the Solace Center in Ashville, NC.Anthony was born December 14, 1941 in North Canaan, CT son of the late Claudio Serene and Genevieve Adeline (Riva) Veronesi.
Following graduation from Housatonic Valley High School in Falls Village, Anthony worked at the former Pfizer Company in Canaan for a short time before entering the US Air Force.He served for four years in active duty rising to the rank of Sergeant.He was released from active duty on April 9, 1968.After leaving the Air Force,Anthony worked at the Becton Dickinson Company in Canaan.He was transferred to North Carolina and retired from BD.Anthony then began his career for the United States Postal Service, for many years as a mail handler, before his retirement from the Postal Service.
He is survived by his son Anthony K. “Kris” Veronesi and his long- time companion Brooke Lawing both of Mills River NC.Anthony is also survived by his two brothers Claudio “Cookie” Veronesi and his wife Pamela of East Canaan, CT and Bernard “Bernie” Veronesi also of East Canaan, along with several nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Held on April 9, 2026 at 11:00 am in St. Martin of Tours St. Joseph church 4 Main St. North Canaan, CT 06018. Following mass burial with full military honors will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Cemetery Road Canaan, CT 06018.There are no calling hours.Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018
Lakeville Journal
SALISBURY — Joan Tuncy, 92, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at Noble Horizons.
Born on Oct. 27, 1933, in Sharon, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Vera Bejean.
Joan made her home on Indian Mountain Road for more than 40 years, where she found great joy in the natural beauty around her. She especially loved spending time outdoors and watching the wildlife that visited her backyard.
She worked for several years with a New York telephone company as a switch board operator and later served as a house manager for a number of local homes. During that time, she adopted a beloved dog, Nippy, who became a cherished companion.
An avid reader, Joan had a deep love of books and took great pleasure in buying and selling them throughout her life. She also enjoyed photography, antique shopping, and writing.
She is survived by her cousins, Don Hosier and his wife, Melissa; and Gregg Hosier.
All services are private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Little Guild of St. Francis, 285 Sharon-Goshen Turnpike, West Cornwall, CT 06796, or online at https://givebutter.com/littleguild-give.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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