Joan Manning Lowney

Joan Manning Lowney, of Bridgeport, CT, passed peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness. Born in Albany, NY, on January 18, 1935, Joan was the eldest daughter of John (Jack) and Alicia (née Clarke) Manning.

From her earliest days, music was the thread that ran through Joan's life. She loved singing with her family and playing the piano. Later in life, she and her sister Nancy spent nightly phone conversations recalling joyful memories of singing in harmony in their childhood kitchen and laughing over their brothers' antics.

Joan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the College of Saint Rose, and later a Master's in Communications from Fairfield University. She began her teaching career as a Sister of Mercy, serving for 13 years in New York, where she discovered the joy of awakening young hearts and minds through music.

Joan married William (Bill) T. Lowney III in January 1966, and they raised their family in Fairfield, CT. Together, Joan and Bill taught their children that life's truest calling is service-to others, to community, and to purpose. Her life was a testament to that belief.

Joan's love of music and teaching blossomed in the Fairfield Public Schools, where she was a beloved music teacher at Dwight Elementary and later North Stratfield School. Using a child-centered approach, she guided students in making music together through singing, movement, and Orff instruments-nurturing not only musical skills but also confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning and community.

Joan was equally passionate about supporting fellow educators. She mentored new teachers through Connecticut's beginning educator support program and later coordinated the program for the entire district. With her husband Bill, she proudly represented their peers through the National Education Association. Joan also served as President of the Fairfield Education Association, where she advocated for the profession and colleagues she loved.

Following retirement, Joan's commitment to the power of teaching and learning led her to volunteer at Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, supporting women to learn English, gain confidence, and find community. Later, when she joined the independent living community at 3030 Park, she was overjoyed to find a group of her peers who loved to sing as much as she loved to conduct. She enjoyed making music with the chorus and with the "Amazing Grays," a beginner's ukulele group she founded.

Throughout her life, Joan was moved by many outstanding musical performances and Broadway shows. Her favorite performances were those of her grandchildren, whose love of music and theater filled her heart with pride and joy.

Joan also loved traveling-visiting Ireland, Alaska, Italy, and the U.S. National Parks. Each summer, the family headed to Martha's Vineyard with the Fenn family for a two-week camping trip. An extremely reluctant camper, she nonetheless earned a reputation for her campfire pancakes and clever tricks for staying dry during extended rainstorms.

For decades, she gathered weekly with "The Craft Group," a cherished circle of friends. Though crafting was the excuse, Joan often said her real craft was conversation.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Meghan Lowney of Fairfield; her son, Liam Lowney, and grandchildren, Maeve and William Lowney, of Marshfield, Massachusetts; her sister, Nancy MacFarland; her brother, John Manning, and his wife, Josey; sisters-in-law, Mickey Lowney and Margie Manning; fourteen nieces and nephews, their spouses, children, and grandchildren; and many wonderful friends. Adored and beloved, she will be deeply missed by all.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Bill Lowney, and daughter, Shannon Elizabeth Lowney; her brother, Barry Manning; and brothers-in-law, Jerome Lowney and Garth MacFarland.

An informal Irish send-off in celebration of Joan's life is planned.

In lieu of flowers, a gift in Joan's memory may be made to the charity of your choice or to: Shannon Lowney Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o The High School Scholarship Foundation of Fairfield, www.fairfieldscholarshipfoundation.org/donate. P.O. Box 682 Fairfield, CT 06824; Mercy Learning Center, www.mercylearningcenter.org/give-donate/. 637 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604; or Boston Symphony Orchestra, earmarked for Tanglewood, https://secure.bso.org/support/membership. Please see links below. For information or to send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com