Joan Ethel Haffey

Joan Ethel Haffey

DANIELSON

Joan Ethel Haffey, 78, of Danielson passed away on December 7, 2025, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam after a brief illness. She was born in New Britain on August 7, 1947, daughter of the late Wilton S. Haffey, Sr. and Helen (Potts) Haffey. Joan attended New Britain High School, Oberlin College and the University of Hartford, graduating with a degree in music education. She went on to receive her masters from the Hartt School of Music. She was a recognized in Who's Who Among Students of American Colleges and Universities in 1971. Joan taught instrumental music for many years at the Killingly Junior High School and is fondly remembered by her former students. She had a lasting impact on thousands of Killingly children teaching instrumental music and many will remember how proud she was that her Killingly Blue Jeans Marching Band could always be counted on to march and play for Little League and Memorial Day parades regardless of the weather when other local high school bands chose to opt out. Joan was an accomplished French Horn musician and played in various bands and orchestras, including being selected to play with the World Youth Symphony in 1967 in Berlin, Germany at the time the Berlin Wall was erected. Joan was the registrar for many years, Assistant Camp Director and Camp Director of Laurel Music Camp, a week-long overnight music camp located in the hills of northwest Connecticut for high school musicians. Joan was a 47-year member of the Theta Chapter of Connecticut State Organization of The Delta Kappa Gamma International, an invitation only society dedicated to promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Joan served as assistant state treasurer and local chapter treasurer and was the 1999 State Achievement Award Recipient. The Theta Chapter established the Joan Haffey Achievement Award to honor her legacy, presented annually to members who mirror her service. In addition to her music and education interests, Joan enjoyed needlepoint and ceramics, and loved women's basketball, having played on teams at the University of Hartford and was an avid fan of the UConn women's basketball team. Joan is survived by her two sisters Ellen S. Nicholson of Northport FL, and Marion J. Haffey of Treasure Island FL, and a brother Wilton S. Haffey, Jr of Utica NY, as well as several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held in the Westfield Congregational Church 210 Main Street Danielson, CT on Saturday January 24, 2025, at 10 a.m.. A Graveside Service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill, CT. In lieu of flowers, a tax-deductible donation can be made in Joan's name to benefit Laurel Music Camp (checks made out to LMC) or a non-tax-deductible donation to benefit the Elizabeth Sonier Grant (checks made out to DKG-CTSO) and mailed to Attorney Christian Sarantopoulos, 143 School Street, Danielson, CT 06239. tillinghastfh.com