Joan Caroline DeLayo

Joan Caroline DeLayo
Joan Caroline DeLayo, 82, of Torrington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Joan was born on January 13, 1943, in New York City, New York, to the late Josef and Caroline (Welzhofer) Hormann. She was raised in Queens Village, New York, where she was her father's "little girl" and grew up cherishing her German heritage. She fondly remembered his beautiful Christmas window displays for Saks Fifth Avenue and summers spent at the Candlewood Lake home he built.
A graduate of Saint Pascal Baylon High School, Joan was guided throughout her life by a deep faith. She found joy in prayer, music, and singing in the church choir, and especially loved playing the piano.
Joan began her career with the Long Island Railroad before devoting herself to raising her family. She later moved to Connecticut, settling in the northwest corner of the state, including Warren, Torrington, and Winsted, where she poured her heart into caring for her three children. A talented cook and baker, she was known for her homemade birthday cakes and traditional sauerbraten dinners.
Creative and patient, Joan loved gardening, canning, knitting, and needlework. Among her most cherished projects were the hand-stitched Christmas ornaments she made for her children. She also had a lifelong love of animals, especially her parakeet, Hanzi, who could speak both English and German.
After her children were grown, Joan continued her professional life, first working at the McCall Foundation, where she shared compassion with those in crisis. She later joined the Registrar's Office at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, where her kindness and dedication touched countless students. After retirement, she spoke fondly of her years at the college, taking pride in every student's success.
Joan treasured time with her family, especially her four grandchildren, and found joy in supporting them at their events and sharing many adventures together. She also loved to travel, visiting Europe, the Vatican, and the Passion Play in Oberammergau, as well as destinations including Egypt, Greece, Turkey, California, and Mexico.
Joan's legacy lives on through her three children, Thomas DeLayo (Michelle), Robert DeLayo (Julia), and Lisa Kalach (Kevin); and four grandchildren, Jordan, Ryan, Isabella, and Michael. She also leaves behind a niece and nephew and was predeceased by her sister. Joan now joins her beloved son, John Thomas, in eternal peace.
Her family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 3, from 6-7 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 7:00 p.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, CT.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or to the Shrine of Lourdes, Litchfield, CT (shrinect.org). To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.