Joan Elizabeth Anderson Cavanaugh

1/31/1930 - 6/19/2025

Mystic - Joan Elizabeth (Thurston) Anderson Cavanaugh, 95, of Mystic, died in the early hours of June 19, 2025, with her family by her side. Jo-An, as she was called by her parents, was the only child of Russell and Elizabeth "Bess" (Wall) Thurston. Born Jan. 31,1930, she was raised in Rockport, Maine.

After graduating from Rockport High in 1947, Joan went on to earn a bachelor's degree in philosophy at Mount Holyoke College. She married Edward Anderson soon after. Joan and Ed eventually moved to Starr Hill in Groton, where they raised fourteen children. Ed passed away in May of 2001.

Joan rekindled her friendship with her childhood friend Charles Cavanaugh, both having lost their spouses around the same time. They married in 2004, in Round Rock, Texas. After Chuck's passing in 2010, Joan moved to Mystic, to be near her family.

Joan was a voracious reader, inspired by the writings of Christian theologians. She could often be found poring over the NYT book review and crossword once the house was quiet at the end of the day. She loved to sew and would often knit for her children and grandchildren (and Ed's winter hats, too). There were few things her family loved more than her recounting stories of the one-room schoolhouse (and two-seater privy!), the colorful characters in Rockport, swimming in summer, climbing Mount Battie and building brush shacks in the woods with her friend Joyce.

Joan always saw the good in everyone. She was especially fond of her Grammie Wall and spoke of her often. Joan had a deep love of reading, history, nature - new fallen snow, thunderstorms, wildflowers, wildlife and the constellations. She enjoyed daily walks and swam whenever/wherever she could. She enjoyed a good cup of black coffee until the end.

Joan and Ed enjoyed five years as empty-nesters, touring New England state parks, and spending time at the family "hytte" on the St. George River in Maine.

Two of her children predeceased her: daughter Judith; and son Peter. Joan is survived by her children, Zoe Beausse of Brenouille, France, Adrienne Anderson of Cromwell, Jane Anderson (Dariush Marjani) of Danbury, Kristine Anderson of Santa Rosa, Calif., Carol Robbins of Stonington, Mary Anderson (Ned Phillips) of Block Island, R.I., Edward Anderson (Tee Stock) of Needham, Mass., Anita Anderson (Cam Bigelow) of Charlestown, R.I.; Margo Padon of Mystic, Laura Anderson of Chaplin, Eileen Anderson (Yehudi Mercado) of Austin, Texas, and Brian Anderson (Andrew Rivera) of Jackson Heights, N.Y.; her daughter-in-law Deborah Caprilozzi of Norwich; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 8 nieces and nephews. Joan leaves behind her dear friend Joyce Andrews in Camden, Maine, as well as her many thoughtful friends, aka "Brookies," past and present . . . . you know who you are.

Per Joan's wishes, there will be no religious ceremony, instead a Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Haley Brook Condominiums' Community Room in Mystic. She would be pleased to share some of her favorite books with you: take one and pass it on. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Edmunds Retreat, 1 Enders Island, PO Box 399, Mystic CT 06355.