Joan FRESHER Obituary

FRESHER, Joan
Joan Fresher of West Haven, Connecticut and Edgartown,Massachusetts died peacefully at her home on Sunday, (October 9, 2011) surrounded by her family. She had a short, valiant and private battle with cancer. Joanie was a woman of many talents and her passions ran deep and wide: a creative teacher; an inspiring artist; an intrepid sailor; a law-and-order shellfish warden; a steely financial investor and a rough and tumble globe trotter. Her six children were the wind in her sails. She had a favorite: the one she smothered with treasures, extra doses of patience, the biggest piece of cake, the first to drive the new car, the one that got the socks that actually matched (the big problem with this theory is that each one of the six believe that they were one singled out as the favorite). If her children were the wind in her sails, her eight grandchildren were the stars she navigated by, enjoying their growth and laughter. Finally, Joanie's anchor: her husband, her long time partner and best friend, Robert Fresher. Joan Alice Fresher is survived by Robert Fresher, her children Kathleen Samways and son-in-law John, Bruce Fresher, Brian Fresher and his wife Allie, Brad Fresher, Margaret Fresher Flaherty and her devoted, loving husband Eddie and Craig Fresher with his wife Nanette. And, her grandchildren, Margaret Samways and her new husband Jason Page, Molly Fresher, Sam Fresher, Thomas Fresher, Danny Fresher, Eamonn Flaherty, Abaigh Flaherty, and Claire Fresher.
The family will celebrate Joanie's life with a reception among close friends at their Connecticut home
TODAY from 4-7 p.m. The family kindly requests that you do not send flowers, but rather, if friends wish to memorialize her life, the family suggests that donations be made to assist others at Featherstone Arts Center, P.O. Box 1145, Oak Bluffs, MA, 02557, The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT, 06405, or Martha's Vineyard Community Services, 111 Edgartown Road, Vineyard Haven, MA, 02568.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Oct. 11, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan FRESHER

12 Entries

October 20, 2011

Dear Bob and family,

I was saddened to hear of the passing of your loving wife and mother. To her friends she was a gracious and talented lady who opened her heart to all of her friends and acquaintances. I feel honored to have known Joan, a lovely individual with an
everlasting smile.

Shirley Hetherington
St. Paul, MN

October 16, 2011

Bob and Family,
We were sadden to learn of the passing of Joan. She will always be remembered as a gracious lady with enough love to reach around the world. When she walked into a room, it lit up.
My memories are many and I know with time and the grace of God, the pain will lessen, and she wll always be in your hearts and memory.
Our deepest condolences.
Cousin Janet and Family

The Symmes Family

October 16, 2011

Our deepest condolences

David Stoner

October 15, 2011

Brian,
My deepest condolences to you and your family durning this trying time.I never recall meeting your mom in all the years you lived acrossed the street but from what has been said about her she sounded like a very accomplished person and a loving mother and grandmother.
My prayers are with you and your family durning this difficult time.
Sincerly,
David Stoner

Jennifer Barnes Mead

October 13, 2011

Dear Fresher Clan:

I was so saddened to hear of Joan's death. I am so sorry for the time that has been taken away from you with your Great Pal, Mother, Grandmother & Wife.

Of course I immediately went back 40 plus years to Waban Park and conjured the fondest memories of "Mrs. Fresher" and the Fresher family. I can see her easy smile, busy hands and hear her gift of conversation. She delighted in our competitive Wiffle ball games with Brad & Craig, Margaret's entrepreneurial shell selling and just all the comings and goings at that summer house. She was so proud of all of her children!

Carry her heart in your heart and she will always be with you. She is just a memory away.

Jennifer Barnes Mead

Maryann Gambardella-Warner

October 12, 2011

Craig -Nannett and family. So very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers

Patricia Connolly-Giusto

October 11, 2011

Dear Uncle Bob, and all of my cousins.. I just came from seeing you in West Haven, and my mind is reeling. It was so good to see you all. Why so long in between, I don't know, but I do know I am so sad for the reason we were brought together tonight. I am so very sorry for the suffering you have all endured..my heart truly goes out to you, having been down a similar road. I will keep you in my heart and in my prayers, that the heaviness of the sorrow lifts a little more each day. With much love, and until we meet again...which I hope is not so long away. God bless, Tricia & family

Susan Connolly

October 11, 2011

Memories of a sister: the three of us, Joan, Patricia, Susan, giggling under covers, climbing the apple tree, going to a 3 room schoolhouse driven on impassable winter roads by the policeman in his model T ford patrol car, flexible flyers, two wheelers, poking under rocks for rainbow trout with a black snake sunning in the bush above your head, haying in the sultry summer longing for an ice cold soda to wash the dust out of our throat, the squeak of a glider swing, croquet, rationing, hands over the eyes at the sight of the side of the house covered with caterpillars, black out curtains, magical Christmas, creeping down the stairs, first loves, big bands, packing a trunk with hand sewn clothes for college, coming home with handsome Bob, talk of marriage, a first niece, beautiful to behold, the flooding out of her home while her wedding ring lay safe on the dresser, a foray to “the Continent” with our mom recapturing tidbits of her life, our roots, the Vineyard, sons, daughters, cousins, husbands….laughter, good times, profound and sad times, the passing of parents, and the first side of the sister triangle, Pat, at 54, too soon, too soon - a whiz at whatever she did, horse breeder, realtor, writer, artist, sculptor, builder of houses, steadfast and compassionate friend and passionate mother of three. I, as the youngest, rode in the wake of these two amazing women, watching, modeling, learning from, and finding my own solitary unique path to walk upon as a healer and mother of five. I shall always grieve the physical loss of my sisters but will not mourn for want of memories that now only I will carry and cherish for the three of us…could be we’ll do it again sometimes, and maybe tweak it a bit here and there….. Love you sisters, Susan (Connolly)

Keith Simmons

October 11, 2011

My condolences on the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. I have many good memories of Joan and the rest of the Fresher family from their days on Gordon Street in Simsbury, CT

Keith Simmons

Lucy Baldwin

October 10, 2011

Bob and family,
I loved and admired Joan for she was a pioneer and admirable woman. She always had a positive thing to say, no matter what and she shared her life, joy of art, and books with us.
I was so happy to once again visit with her on the Vineyard this past August and as always had memorable visit. I loved her deeply and will miss her greatly. I am saddened by per passing and send you and your family the deepest of sympathy. Love and friendship, Lucy (worked with Joan at Simon Lake School and became wonderful friends since the first day we met)

October 10, 2011

Joan Fresher was our dear friend. She was loving to us, my three children and me. Her demeanor belied her strength. We will miss her and continue to love her for what she shared with us to be. We know she is resting in peace, it is her way.

We will miss our dear friend Joan so very much. Our prayers are with her family now. Our prayers will always be with her and her loving family.

Barbara, Charlotte, Greg and Audrey McCarron

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