Joan W. Hedman

Joan W. Hedman, known to many as Nama, age 93 of Milford, CT passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 24, 2025. She was married to the late Gordon F. Hedman and was the daughter of the late James and Alice Wallbeoff of Coventry, CT.

Joan retired from Metro-North Railroad after 23 years of dedicated service, a career marked by reliability, commitment, and pride in her work. Outside of her professional life, she was a talented and creative maker whose hands were rarely still, whether she was quilting, baking, or crocheting countless hats. She was deeply engaged in her community and found joy in serving others as a member of the Milford Woman's Club, the Red Hat Society, the Happy Hookers, the Audubon Society, and the Milford Senior Center. Her faith and leadership were central to her life as she served as a Deacon at the First Congregational Church of West Haven and was a longtime member of Eastern Star. She also gave her time generously as a Girl Scout leader, where she was a mentor whose guidance and example left an indelible mark on countless young women. Her remarkable sense of humor and infectious spirit echoed through the lives of all who knew her, leaving a legacy of warmth.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Bottacari (Ron) of Naugatuck and Cynthia Rivard (Michael Arnone) of Milford; her son, David Hedman (Lori) of Stratford; her grandchildren: Antonio Moreno (Tara), Michael Moreno (Erin Walsh), James Joseph (Caitlin Robles), Joseph Bottacari (Jackie), Jason Joseph (Jessica), Steven Bottacari, Christine Hiltz (Gorden), Cameron West and Jennie Wolfe (Justin). She has several great grandchildren that were her world and brought her immeasurable joy. She is predeceased by her brothers, James Wallbeoff and Peter Decarli, and her sister, Judith Usher.

She also leaves behind cherished "adopted" children: Genevieve Mundy, Patty Gizinski, and Daryl Murray, whose lives were deeply intertwined with hers and who held a special and irreplaceable place in her heart.

The family would like to thank Jill Taricani, director of the Milford Senior Center's Ahrens Respite Program, for her care, kindness and support. She made a lasting impact on Joan's life and undoubtedly in the lives of many seniors and their families.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Woodmont United Church of Christ, 1000 New Haven Avenue, Milford (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Ahrens Respite Program in person at the Milford Senior Center. Contributions in her memory may also be made via mail. Directions can be found here: https://milfordctseniorcenter.com/blank/