Joan Louise Brigham

Waterford - Joan Louise Brigham, 82, of 132 Niles Hill Road, Waterford, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at her residence.

She was born in New London, on Sept. 24, 1931, the daughter of Henry and Clara (Wilbur) Dougherty.

Joan was married to Donald James Brigham Sr. on Aug. 9, 1952, at St. Mary's Church in New London.

Joan attended Waterford schools and graduated from the former Chapman Technical High School. She had worked as a school bus driver for the Waterford school system for 44 years. She was an avid animal lover.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her sons, Gary E. Brigham and wife, Carlina, and Donald J. Brigham Jr., all of Waterford; her daughter, Dianne Louise Mugovero and husband, David, of Uncasville; and five grandchildren, Gary Brigham Jr., Jennifer Brigham Monahan, Racheal Mugovero, Sarah Mugovero Reynolds, Heidi Brigham Roach; and her six great-grandchildren, Quinn, Jace, Brody, Max, Caroline, and Gage.

She was predeceased by a brother, James Dougherty and a grandson, Daniel Brigham.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Stephen Johnson, Dr. Richard Hellman, and the Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut.

Funeral service and interment in Jordan Cemetery are private.

Byles Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Contributions in her memory may be directed to the Center for Hospice Care SE CT, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360 or the Connecticut Humane Society, 169 Old Colchester Road, Quaker Hill, CT 06375.