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Joan Papa Obituary
Joan (Mastri) Papa, age 78 of Stratford, beloved wife of the late Joseph R. Papa, passed away peacefully Friday, December 21, 2018 with her loving family by her side. Born in Bridgeport on August 15, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Rose Porto Farrace Mastri and Leonard Mastri. A Bridgeport resident for most of her life, Joan graduated from Central High School and worked in the banking industry throughout her career until her retirement. A life well lived, Joan enjoyed cooking, baking and playing cards but her greatest passion was her family. She was loved by many and admired by all. Joan had a love for music and enjoyed playing the piano. She was rooted in faith, a kind and gentle soul who was compassionate, honest and known to all as a sweet and loving person. Her most cherished time was spent with her children, grandchildren, extended family and close friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Joan is survived by her loving children Kimberly Owen and her husband Davis of Easton, Tammy Papa-Rizzitelli of Trumbull and Susan Horahan and her husband John of Shelton, grandchildren, Davis Jr. and his fiancé Christina, Dr. Joseph Owen and his wife Allison, Taylor Owen, Jacqueline Rizzitelli, Alexandra and John Horahan; great grandchildren Audrey and August. In addition to her children, she is survived by her devoted sister-in-law Ann Marie (Chickie) Szalan and brother-in-law Domenic Papa and his wife Jenny, as well as several nieces and nephews, many of whom helped care for her along the way. Joan was pre-deceased by her siblings Philip James Farrace, Ralph Edward Farrace and his wife Opal, Madlynne Farrace Beezley and her husband Tom, Marie Farrace Liuzzo and her husband James and Leonard Mastri as well as a sister-in-law Dolores Mastri. In addition to her siblings and their spouses, Joan was also pre-deceased by her in-laws Joseph and Josephine Papa, brother-in-law Philip Papa and his wife Mildred and brother-in-law Edward Szalan. Funeral services will take place Thursday, December 27 at 11:00 a.m. directly at St. Andrew Church, 435 Anton Street, Bridgeport. Entombment will follow in Gate Of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following charities; Swim Across the Sound or Shatterproof. To offer online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Papa
Sponsored by Dennis & D'Arcy Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Homes - Stratford Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home.
Johanna Dorgan
December 29, 2018
Tammy - My heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. I just found out about this. You are in my prayers. May your beloved Mom rest in peace.
Mary OBrien
December 29, 2018
So sorry to hear of your moms passing. My sincerest condolences at this difficult time. May God bless her with his peace.
Earl Mastri
December 29, 2018
My deepest sympathies to cousin Joanie's girls- your mom will always have a special place in my heart and I have great memories of her and your Dad . Sorry to hear of this so late
Earl L Mastri and family
JoAnn Malinowski
December 29, 2018
As I reflect on a life well-lived and celebrated, my auntie Joan's legacy is love, strength, and hope. Our relationship was unconditional love, and very special-unique. We surrounded each other in our saddest moments and in our happiest moments. Joan's parting has left a void but I will fill that emptiness with lots of memories of our many travels and casino excursions which were the BEST!
The meaning of Joan is God is gracious....and she was the epitome of grace,elegance and a gentle soul. My words cannot capture the fullness of her life and our special bond. I will always be grateful for the many lessons, advice and "girl talks"--like my big sister over the last 64 years together.
It has been a privilege to be on the journey of life with her and an honor to call her "my Auntie Joan."
So now at peace, she has earned her sleep (although too soon), my family and I will keep her eternally in our hearts.
No doubt, Auntie Joan is in good company, with Uncle Joe, the love of her life, baby Lisa Marie, too precious to forget, my mom and grandma and the rest of her brothers and sisters.
Joan is soaring "on Eagls Wings as she is raised up to heaven" and looking down upon us with her beautiful smile that could light up the darkest room. We will always love you.
May my cousins and their families find peace and comfort in the coming days.
JoAnn, Tony and Lauren
JoAnn Malinowski
December 28, 2018
As I reflect on a life well-lived & celebrated, my Auntie Joan's legacy is love, strength and hope. Our relationship was unconditional love, & it was very special & unique. We surrounded each other in our saddest moments & our happiest moments. Joan's parting has left a void but I will fill that emptiness with lots of memories of our many travels & casino excursions which were the BEST!
The meaning of Joan is God is gracious... & she was the epitome of grace, elegance and a gentle soul. My words cannot capture the fullness of her life & our special relationship. I will always be grateful for the many lessons,advice & girl talk like a big sister over the last 64 years together.
It has been a privilege to be on life's journey with her & an honor to call her my Auntie Joan.
Now at peace. She has earned her sleep (although too soon), my family and I will keep her eternally in our hearts.
No doubt, Auntie Joan is in good company, Unlce Joe, the love of her life, their baby, Lisa Marie, too precious to forget, my mom and grandmother and all her brothers and sisters.
Joan is soaring on Eagles Wings as she is raised up to heaven. & looking down upon us with her beautiful smile that could light up the darkest room.
We will always love you, Auntie Joan
May my cousins and their families find peace and comfort in the coming days.
JoAnn, Tony & Lauren
With love from The Sinkovich Family
December 28, 2018
Dearest Tammy, Kim, Susie & Families - Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and for your beautiful, kind, sweet and caring mother, Joan. May you find great comfort in your treasured memories and knowing she is at peace with our Heavenly Father. May she forever dance with the angels as she and your beloved Dad watch over and protect you all. We share the deepest love and admiration for all of you and feel blessed with your friendship and love and in having been a part of your wonderful family throughout the years. God's blessings always and forever. Take care. xox Bob, Barb, Stacy & Kristy
Loru THOMPSON
December 28, 2018
REST IN PEACE JOAN. SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PERSON GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN MY CONDOLENCES TO. THE BEAUTIFUL 3 DAUGHTERS. SUZY KEEKEE TAMMY. AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY
Louis Bovino
December 27, 2018
Dear Kim Tammy and Sue my dearest condolences to you and your family for your lost. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in this time of need, your loss is heavens gain. God bless
Domenic and Suzanne Burr Monaco
December 27, 2018
To all Joan's family-
Joan was a lovely woman, soft spoken, a good friend and neighbor. I know you will miss her. I am sure that Joe is meeting her at the pearly gates. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
December 27, 2018
Dear Kiki,Tammy,Susie!my deepest condolences for your loss.your mother Joan,was really wonderful,kind,lovely person.She will truly be missed. Love to you all.Manana
Mary Sleeper
December 27, 2018
I've known Joan since she was a little girl on Ezra st in Bpt. She use to baby sit my children. She was so kind and sweet. May she Rest In oeace
Rachael Klotzberger
December 26, 2018
Kim, Susie & Tammy, For the past 13 years your Mom was a wonderful friend and roof mate to my Mom at Oronoque. She was so caring, sweet, generous, gentle and kind. Joan always treated Taylor like one of her own grandchildren, and Dave and I always enjoyed our chats with her. When she was feeling down I always said " Just take one day at a time!" We take comfort knowing she is back in Joe's arms. They made a lovely couple and they certainly raised three amazing, caring and beautiful daughters! Love always, Rachael, Dave & Taylor Klozberger
Jolyne Kane
December 26, 2018
Most Dear Tammy and Jackie,
We send prayers, love and strength during this time of sadness and for always. The years we spent together will always be cherished so deeply in our hearts. Please know that our spirit has eternal strength for you.
From the Kane Family
Jolyne, Jody, Juliet and Graham
Rima Rasamny-Rodriguez
December 26, 2018
Sending my deepest condolences and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Aunt Joan was a wonderful and kind person. She will truly be missed. Love to you all, Rima
Michele DeFranzo-Dias
December 26, 2018
Dear Tammy & Family,
So very sorry for your loss. Sending love & prayers.
Rita & Millie Muoio
December 26, 2018
Dear Kiki and family, we send our sincere sympathy. You're in our thoughts and prayers
john tomatore
December 26, 2018
So Sorry for your loss.
Steve and Susan Scrivani
December 25, 2018
Dear Kim, Tammy and Susie and your families:
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your wonderful mother. She was gracious and elegant and always a joy to be with. For me personally, she was always welcoming and happy to have me at any family activity. I will miss her, as I do your father.
Steve and Susie
Al and Cheryl Comen
December 25, 2018
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. We knew Joan for a short time, she was such a lovely lady, so caring and always thinking of others before herself. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Oronoque neighbors, Al and Cheryl Comen
December 24, 2018
Tammy, Prayers to you and your family. I will remember your mom as a very kind, gentle and loving woman.
December 24, 2018
Dear Tammy, Sending you and your family my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Love, Nancee
Mazie Muniz
December 24, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pat & Sam Cicalo
December 24, 2018
Kim, Tammy& Susie,
Our sincerest sympathy to you & your families at this very difficult time.
She was truly a kind, loving person, Rest in Peace Joan.
May God's love surround all of you & bring you peace.
December 24, 2018
I worked with Joanie at the legal office in Bridgeport, CT. I was also in Joanie and Joey's wedding. They were a special couple and I feel honored to have been a part of their lives. My prayers are with all of you. Sincerely Norma (Fedele) Kirkpatrick of SC.
Dawn Fusco
December 24, 2018
Kim, Tammy and Susie,
May Auntie Joan rest in peace, our sincere sympathy and prayers to your families at this very difficult time. May you find comfort and strength in the wonderful memories you have of her. Love Dawn and Mike Fusco & Family.
Patty Ulatowski
December 24, 2018
Dear Tammy, So very sorry for your loss. It is very tough indeed to lose a Mom. She will always be in your heart and you should sustain yourself knowing that you were an adoring daughter. Let me know if the office can assist you in any way.
Alison Kovachi
December 24, 2018
To Tammy and family, my heart is with you at this time. so sorry for the loss of your wonderful mom. Alison Kovachi
AnnaMarie Caiola
December 24, 2018
To my Cousins and their family, I am sending my love and sympathy to you at this time. Aunt Joan was truly a sweet and loving person to all who meet her. I will always have found memories as a child and Adult of both Uncle Joe and Aunt Joan. I loved them both and know they are in heaven together as one again and know as in the birth and death of Jesus we will all see each other some day!
Angela Pelletier
December 24, 2018
Dear Tammy & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Words never seems to be enough. She loved and was loved. Now she is at peace.
Laura Wheeler
December 23, 2018
Im sorry for your loss. She was such a loviely person. Someone to really admire.
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