Joan Hennessey

Joan Hennessey obituary, Riverton, CT

Joan Hennessey

Upcoming Events

Nov

30

Memorial service

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Riverton Inn

Riverton, CT

Send Flowers

Joan Hennessey Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 20, 2025.
Joan Hennessey, 76, of Riverton, CT passed away peacefully on Thursday November 13, 2025 at Cape Cod Hospital after a short illness. She was the devoted and much loved wife of Stephen Hennessey.

Joan was born on July 30, 1949 in New Britain, CT. She was the daughter of the late Ernest and Sophie (Pawlukiewicz) Neurath. Joan was raised in Rocky Hill and was a graduate of Rocky Hill High School. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in ceramics. Joan was a gifted potter and ceramic sculptor who created a line of Tolkien figurines which were very popular. She loved antiques and was an antique dealer for several years.

She especially enjoyed the beaches at her second home in Eastham, Cape Cod, gardening and her cats. Joan was a kind loving person who will be particularly missed by anyone fortunate to have enjoyed one of her cheesecakes.

There will be a memorial gathering for Joan on Sunday November 30, 2025 from 1pm to 3PM at the Riverton Inn in Riverton, CT.

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

Sign Joan Hennessey's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Yesterday

Suzanne Mandeville posted to the memorial.

November 19, 2025

The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home posted to the memorial.

November 20, 2025

Legacy Remembers announced events.

2 Entries

Suzanne Mandeville

Yesterday

Joanie, as many family members called her. She was my cousin, friend and childhood playmate. Such a quiet, sweet, unassuming woman. She had many accomplishments, however I think her greatest was marrying her husband Steve. As they did not have children, they spent most of their time together, sharing like interests , loving and supporting each other. They loved the Cape and traveling.. especially England and of course, all her numerous cats! She and I grew up in Rocky Hill both attending the only four room schoolhouse, the West School... I think we may have been one of the last classes in that old school and perhaps built in the 1800´s ! lol And since we lived near each other... we played every single day for years. It´s hard to believe she has had to "go home", but that´s the reality of life. So many unforgettable early fun years and treasured memories, she will surely be sorely missed by many. So sorry for your loss Steve! Prayers go out to you for strength, healing and peace. Cousin Sue

The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home

November 19, 2025

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Nickerson Funeral Home - Orleans

77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653

Make a Donation
in Joan Hennessey's name

How to support Joan's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Joan Hennessey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Nov

30

Memorial service

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Riverton Inn

Riverton, CT

Send Flowers