Joan "Joanie" Bitgood Hurst

Joan Kress Hurst, affectionately known as Joanie, passed away on June 29, 2024, at the age of 75, in Torrington, CT. Born on August 3, 1948, in Hartford, CT, she was a lifelong resident of Connecticut and for many years Massachusetts who brought creativity and warmth to the people she touched.

Joan's artistic flair was evident in every aspect of her life. She transformed her homes in Agawam and North Colebrook into havens of beauty, filled with handmade crafts, gardens, and the joyful chaos of pets and poultry. Her professional life was equally dynamic, having worked as an administrative assistant at Mass Mutual, Sweeney Transportation, and Hamilton Sunstrand, before channeling her entrepreneurial spirit into her own ventures, Sure Would Run at Country Roads by Joanie and JBH Creations.

Her passion for crafting, cooking, gardening, camping, and painting kept her busy. She was a pillar in the Girl Scouts community as a troop leader and the Agawam Girl Scout Day camp co-director. Joan's efforts in organizing activities, like the freshman dance at Agawam High, showcased her administrative gifts and kindness of heart.

Joan is survived by her loving husband, Bill Hurst; her daughters, Barbara Bitgood (Sumner) and Michelle (Bitgood) Hatfield; her siblings, Ron Kress, Barbara LaValley, and Linda Nestor; and her cherished grandchildren, Gabriel Sumner, Xavier Sumner, Aspen Hatfield, Hunter Hatfield, and Mikey Bitgood. She was preceded in death by her son, John Paul Bitgood, and her parents, Reinhardt Paul and Stella Koscher Kress.

Joan's legacy of creativity, leadership, and familial devotion will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all who knew her.

Joan will be laid to rest at Mount Saint Benedict cemetery in Bloomfield, CT at a future date.