JOY CHRISTINE SMITH KOVAL

Joy Christine Smith Koval of Ansonia age 81 passed away peacefully at Apple Hewitt Rehab in Shelton on February 6th, 2023 after a short illness.

Born March 13, 1941, Joy was adopted by Kenneth and Martha Smith from Boston Massachusetts on November 27, 1942. She lived in Ansonia her whole life. She was a drum majorette and graduated from Ansonia High School in 1959 and attended Stone Business School for business.

In 1965 Joy started driving a school bus for Winkle Bus Company in Orange. She absolutely loved driving the bus, seeing the children every day, and has drove multiple generations of the same families. She drove for Winkle Bus until 2018 and then continued to drive for Chris Sorensen until June 2020. She cherished her bus driver family and they often met for coffee at Heavenly Donuts in Derby after morning runs. Joy was also a dispatcher for the Woodbridge Police Department from July 6, 1987, until she retired on March 13, 2003.

Joy loved her children and cherished her grandchildren and great granddaughter. Cats were her favorite pet and every tuxedo cat she owned, she named Bootsie. Joy had many adventures with her best friend since 5th grade, Barbara, going to Misquamicut Beach in Rhode Island and spending many days at Barbara's pool in Oxford. She loved going to the beach and casino with Estelle and going to breakfast at Chip's in Orange for breakfast with Polly and Nancy. She was also on her High School Reunion Committee.

Joy enjoyed vacationing in Ogunquit and Wells Maine with her daughter, Kathy and granddaughters on their annual August vacation. Joy's other favorite get away was to her sister Pat's house in Florida where she would spend every day at Cocoa Beach lounging in the sun.

Joy is survived by her sister Patricia Harding and nephews Scott & Steve Harding of Merritt Island Florida, her children Kristin McNamara of Shelton, Andrew "Kosh" Koval Jr. (Sharon Valentine) of Oxford, Kenneth Koval of Derby and Kathryn Ames (Scott) of Oxford. Grandchildren Billy Gabriel (Barbara) of Newington, Alysa Sweedler of Milford, Corey Koval of Maryland, Andrew Koval III and Mikenna Valentine of Oxford, Jessica, Katie and Lily Ames of Oxford and great granddaughter Kinsley Gabriel of Newington.

Joy was predeceased by her parents, niece Sharon Harding and great granddaughter Addilynn Ann Gabriel.

Joy wishes to spend eternity among the seas she so loved. And as such, her ashes will be spread in the ocean in Maine and Florida at a later date. Per her request, there will be no services or calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made to: Whiskers Pet Rescue 134 Main Street PO Box 367 Southbury, Ct 06488.