Joan Aaronson Silverman

Joan Aaronson Silverman, a woman with sharp intellect, deep social conviction, love for the written word, and adoration for her family died on January 8, 2026
Born on December 8, 1935, in Providence, RI, Joan was the only child of Minnie (Felder) and Perry Aaronson. She treasured her childhood summers in Newport, RI. Joan graduated from Hope High School in 1953 before attending Pembroke College in Brown University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 1957.
Joan’s early career with AT&T took her to Boston, MA, a city that won her heart. On November 29, 1959, she married her childhood friend Gerald Silverman. They moved to New London, CT, where they raised their children, Michael and Susan.
During her twenty-five years in New London, Joan was a tireless advocate for her community. She had a leadership role with the League of Women Voters and collaborated with Lawrence and Memorial Hospital to establish an OSHA clinic for shipbuilders. Joan also served with distinction on the Board of Education at Congregation Beth-El.
After the end of her 29 year marriage, Joan embarked on a new chapter, attending SCSU, earning her Master of Library Science in 1989. This degree launched what she considered her perfect profession. Joan moved to New Haven, where she spent thirteen years making a profound impact by working in the New Haven Public Library as a reference librarian.
As her spiritual journey evolved, Joan became a congregant of the Unitarian Society of New Haven (USNH), which she called her "island of peace." USNH provided Joan with comfort, community, and an extended family. She served on many committees, continuing her advocacy work for social justice. After retiring in 2002, Joan moved to Middletown, CT. Her commitment to others never waned; she volunteered for several organizations, and was recognized with the Catherine M. Rees Award for Excellence in Volunteerism.
Joan’s pride and joy of her later life were her three granddaughters, whom she loved fiercely. Each of them carries forward her humor and the stories of their many adventures and trips together, all of which inevitably ended with them getting lost.
Joan was a woman of many talents—a writer of poetry and prose, a master of crossword puzzles, and a skilled knitter. No chocolate was safe in her presence. She viewed every word she heard as an opportunity to break out into song, with no concern for tune, pitch or accuracy of lyrics. All who were lucky enough to eat her food can confirm that she was a talented, if messy, cook and baker, with evidence of her creations on her shirt. She loved making conversation wherever she went, saw humor in everything, and had a sharp wit. Joan confronted the challenges that she experienced with strength and determination, committed to building a rich and fulfilling life. She was a light in so many lives and the world will feel emptier without her.
She is survived by her beloved children: Susan (Barry Simon) of Hebron, CT. and Michael (Marc Hoffman) of Chicago, IL. She also leaves behind her three granddaughters: Mareyna, Nyla, and Taryn (Simon). She was preceded in death by her former husband, Gerald Silverman.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to:
The Unitarian Society of New Haven
Any Public Library of your choice