Joan B. SHEA

SHEA, Joan B.


Joan B. Shea, age 66 of Glastonbury passed from this life on Saturday (October 26, 2013) with family and friends by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. Joan was born on Sept. 8, 1947 in Hartford, the daughter of Eva Heanue and the late Edward Batayte. A graduate of East Hartford High in 1965, Joan later received her BS in business administration from Central Connecticut State University. She worked at her Grandmother's diner in East Hartford, Pratt & Whitney, Glastonbury Public Schools, Kuhn Employment Opportunities, and at the state's Department of Mental Health and Education Services. The later years of her career were devoted to helping urban young adults as a vocational/rehabilitation counselor. Joan also thoroughly enjoyed and took pride in the time she spent at home raising her daughter. She played an active role in the community as a member of the Glastonbury Junior Women's Club, Girl Scout Leader, member of the Hartford Elks, and president of KWANIS Club. Cultivating friendships, traveling, cooking, entertaining company "the more the merrier," tailgating at UCONN football games, playing setback to win, betting on football, dancing with her partner, and spending time near the ocean were all favorite pastimes of Joan's. Her love of lighthouses and sailboats gave her the dream to live her life near the scenic ocean shores of western Florida and Old Saybrook. Her ability to make friends, either on the job or within the community, was inspiring. She believed in holiday gatherings with family and friends and worked hard to make all her guests feel welcome and comfortable. There was always an open seat at her table for a friend-of-a-friend. Her contagious laugh, sense of humor, loving compassion and competitive nature were the marks of her character; as the many friends she made along her journey will always remember. Joan's unwavering positive attitude was infectious. Even through the tough times near the end of her life she remained upbeat and was better than anyone around her at looking at the bright side. Her unbelievably strong and unbreakable spirit is something those she leaves behind will never forget. Joan is survived by her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter: Courtney, Owen and Eila Swift of Coventry, as well as her best friend and loving companion Richard Grocki of Glastonbury. Joan was predeceased by her brother, William Batayte, and is survived by her siblings, Cheryl Heanue of East Hartford, Janet Taylor of Ellington, and Thomas Miller of South Windsor. Joan took great pride in her only granddaughter, and spent as much time as she could caring for Eila, watching her grow, and sharing her love of life and family.Thank you to Joan's family and friends who played an active role in enriching her life and helped her enjoy her last days. Thank you also to the staff at St. Francis/ Mount Sinai Regional Cancer Center for your warmth and compassion. We'll miss you Joan Shea.
A Celebration of Joan's life will be held at Pond House Grille in Glastonbury on Saturday November 16, 2013 from 1-4 p.m. All who knew and loved Joan are welcome.