Joan Fergus Boardman

Joan (Fergus) Boardman, wife, mother, sister, friend passed away on October 8, 2016 at her home after a long illness. Her daughter was by her side. Joan was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Brown) Fergus. Joan was born in Liverpool, England on February 8, 1930. She came to the United States in 1949 where she met her future husband, William (Bill), while working at the First National in East Hartford. They married on March 31, 1951 and lived in East Hartford for several years. Joan retired from the Senate Clerk's Office at the Connecticut State Capitol where she worked for many years. Joan and Bill shared a love for the Connecticut shoreline and had many wonderful times with family and friends at Hawks Nest in Old Lyme. While they were still both employed they looked for a small place to buy so they could spend more time at the shore. They found a place in Black Point, Niantic but when they retired and moved in, they realized the cottage was too small and built their retirement home a few streets away. Joan had a tremendous love for animals and she rescued countless cats that were considered "lost causes". Her love for birds is legendary in Black Point. It gave her great pleasure to indulge these creatures. She even named some of them. Surely Ollie the crow will truly miss her. She was also a staunch Red Sox fan and had her own "Green Monster" named Wally. Joan and Bill were members of St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Old Lyme. Joan is survived by her daughter Rosemarie Balcom of Norwich. She was predeceased by a sister, Mary Brannan and a sister, Margaret Kokojan. Joan's daughter, Rosemarie, would like to thank every caregiver from Caring Christian Women who took such wonderful care of her mother during the past year. They were tireless, kind, indulgent and loving and it is clearly impossible to show the proper gratitude for this kindness. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, October 14, 2016 from 10 to 10:45 AM at St. Ann Episcopal Church, 82 Shore Road, Old Lyme with the funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Interment will be in East Lyme Cemetery, Boston Post Road, East Lyme. The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic is assisting the family with the arrangements. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence message for Joan's family. Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center 6620 Hamilton Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Attn: Donations