Joyce (Willens) Gibbons was born in Mt. Sinai Hospital in Hartford to Leah Perry Willens and Morris J. Willens on October 22, 1933. She passed away on Monday, January 13, 2014. She graduated from Hall High School in 1951 and from Hartt College of Music in 1955. As a newlywed, she went cross country with her (then) husband William Gibbons while he performed in operas in Aspen and Central City, Colorado. She returned to school in 1960 to get her degree in Music Education at Hartt College, then received her Master's Degree in Guidance from the University of Hartford in 1968. She taught music in Vernon for 3 years and in Newington for 34 years, mostly at Ruth L. Chaffee School. She loved her students and always thought of them fondly. She loved crossword puzzles, reading books (especially Joseph Heller novels) and listening to jazz. Joyce loved gourmet meals as well and was a regular at the Corner House, Metro Bis, Edelweiss, Grants, West Street Grill, La Trattoria , Abigails and the Max chain of restaurants. She leaves to mourn her passing her adored daughter, Lisa Gibbons-Lappen and her dear son-in law Jeffrey Lappen . She also leaves many beloved cousins , dear friends and two special friends Maryellen Noonan and Pat DeFrancesco. She thanks for their kindness Dr. Beth Nelson , the hospice team from the McLean Home Care and Hospice and the staff at St. Francis Hospital. Joyce was predeceased by her parents and her dear cousins Judith Moses and Eunice Mark. Joyce was a life long member of Congregation Beth Israel. A Memorial service will be held at the Silverman Chapel at The Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT on Friday, January 17th at 11:30AM with Rabbi Michael Pincus officiating. Weinstein Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations can be sent to Foodshare or the Social Justice Fund of the Congregation Beth Israel.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 15, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Gibbons

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Deborah Silvestri

January 17, 2014

Joyce had such tremendous energy and love for her students here in Newington. Lisa, so sorry for your loss. I worked for only a short time with Joyce in the music department before she retired here in Newington, and worked with Lisa at IBM years before my teaching career. I am still here in Newington, and plan to dedicate our Spring Concert ("Broadway and the Movies") to Joyce's memory and years of teaching music. My thoughts are with you Lisa, and with your family as well during this difficult time.

January 16, 2014

I remember the three generations of girls shopping and spending quality "girl time" together. If it wasn't finding another great restaurant, they could be found shopping West Hartford Center. Lisa, Joyce and Grandma. I also remember embracing the company of Joyce at Lisa's IBM QCC luncheon at Grant's, Christmas Eve dinner and many lunches at Evergreen's in Simsbury. Many would comment they looked more like sisters than mother and daughter. What a lovely and charming woman and I am so fortunate to have known her. Lisa, you and Jeff together took very good care of your parents and that's a blessing you can cherish forever. I'm so sorry for your loss and I know it's a big one for you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Marilynne Foster Brown

Leona Hay

January 16, 2014

Based on the condolences of her former students who have signed this guest book, you can tell your mom was a beloved teacher. Based on knowing the beautiful daughter that she raised, you can know your mom was an amazing woman. Lisa, I am heartbroken for your loss. Please know that your "work family" is here for you at this most difficult time. xoxo Lee

Music started with Mrs. Gibbons

Brian Peterson

January 16, 2014

God Bless your family and Mrs. Gibbons at this sad time. She taught us about music with such energy and love for the art. I remember her at then South East School, and although I became an engineer, I have stringed plectrum instruments hanging all around the house and play in a band and festivals as my arts career.

Pam Raynock

January 16, 2014

I remember fondly Mrs. Gibbons, my first music teacher at Elm Hill School. It was my favorite class! Especially when she gave me my first of many solos. She was an inspiration to many. Pam (Grimaldi) Raynock.

January 16, 2014

Dear Lisa and Jeff,
Joyce was my good friend at Hartt, and we kept in touch over the years, had lunch just recently, can't believe I will never see her again. My sincere sympathy to you both. She loved you so much.
Helen Kusek

January 15, 2014

Dear Lisa & Jeff,
We are very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you during this difficult time and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.
Love,
Rosemarie & Bob

January 15, 2014

Dear Gibbons Family,
So very sorry for your
loss.
May God be with you at
this very difficult time.
Most sincerely,
Elizabeth Kostreva

Susan DeMaio Widlak

January 15, 2014

I was former student of Ms Gibbons and want to extend my prayers to the Gibbon's family. She was a great teacher!

Christine Lord (Logan)

January 15, 2014

I have wonderful memories of your classroom at Elm Hill school....thank you for giving me the love of music.

Frank Vesci

January 15, 2014

Mrs. Gibbons, her energy and enthusiasm, and the music she taught us (including a song she likely wrote and we performed for our principal) at Elm Hill School are forever etched in my memory.

My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Denise Talbot

January 15, 2014

I remember Mrs. Gibbons as high-energy, at the piano, and always loving her students and music classes. I was about 8-10 years old at Southeast School.

My sympathies to her family.

bonnie allen

January 15, 2014

I remeber Mrs. Gibbons fondly at Southeast School, now Ruth L. Chaffee...my sympathy to her family..Bonnie Glass Allen

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