Joanne Abbott LUPPI

LUPPI, Joanne Abbott
Joanne Abbott Luppi, 81, of Portland, wife of the late Stephen Richard Luppi, passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital on June 8, 2013, with her daughters at her side. She was the daughter of the late A. Gordon and Aubine Abbott. Joanne was born on January 8, 1932, in Willimantic, CT, and later attended Eastern Conn. State Teachers College. She married Steve on February 20, 1954, and moved to Portland soon after. She taught at Portland Jr. High School for many years, and enjoyed meeting her many former students around town. She led Girl Scout troops as her daughters were growing up, and served as Town Chairperson for years. Her passions were many; she was a founding member of the Portland River Valley Garden Club 55 years ago, was active in the Saintpaulia Society, and the Conn. Horticultural Society, which recently awarded her the Society's Service award. She was also active in many environmental organizations, such as the Mattabeseck Audubon Society, the Inland Wetlands Commission, Clean Water Action, and the Clean Energy Task Force. She was never happier than with her hands in the soil of her garden, or the clay at Wesleyan Potters, where she served as the longtime chair of the education committee. Her other passion was birding; many may remember birding with her as Christmas Bird Count Captain, growing her life list, and the "Puffin Patrol." A consistent theme in her life was teaching; she took great joy in igniting the spark of learning, and was recognized in 1989 with the Rockfall Foundation Award, a Certificate of Honor for her role as an educator. Throughout her life, Joanne nurtured deep friendships just as she did the flowers in her garden. Every summer, in between her many globetrotting adventures, she renewed her spirit at the family camp on Spednic Lake with her family and friends. She is survived by her devoted daughters Faye Luppi of Poland Spring, Maine, Carol Luppi of Winthrop, MA, and Cynthia Luppi of Winthrop, MA; her son-in-law Mark Hyland; her adored grandsons Ethan and Matthew Hyland; her brother and sister-in-law Robert and Lura Abbott of Idaho; her sister Pauline Abbott of Voluntown, CT; many nieces and nephews; and her "adopted" daughters.
Memorial contributions may be made to in her name to the Wesleyan Potters Education Committee, or the Conn. Horticultural Society Scholarship Fund. The family will host an open house to celebrate her life at her home on June 15, 2013, from 1-5 p.m. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. To s end an online expression of sympathy please visit www.portlandmemorialfh.net.