Joan M. McCue

1927 - 2024

Stonington - Joan M. (Harrington) McCue, 97, formerly of Stonington, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at her daughter's home in Noank. Joan was born in New Bedford, Mass., Aug. 15, 1927, to Michael Joseph and Anna Lynch Harrington.

Joan was educated in the Catholic school system in New Bedford, and graduated from St. Anne's Hospital School of Nursing in Fall River, Mass. She was predeceased by her husband Dr. Martin McCue.

Joan was a 20-year member of the nursing staff at Uncas On Thames Hospital and founding member of the hospital's Auxiliary and Gift Shop. Joan was active in her community, as a member of the Child and Family Auxiliary and the Grow and Show Garden Club. She took great pride in her ability to care for and serve others.

Joan was renowned for her great loyalty and love that she provided to her family and friends. All adored her warm Irish hospitality, quick wit and thoughtful nature. She was a gifted hostess and cook, and was at her best when planning dinner parties with family and friends. Joan organized "The Pearl's Girls Luncheons" that were held each season. A close second to party planning was her love of shopping, especially for Christmas gifts, that were stored in her own "gift shop" in her basement. Joan loved traveling and was known to drive, no matter the distance, especially to Florida, Cape Cod and Vermont.

Of all things, Joan was first a mother to her six children whom she adored, spoiled and bragged often about to all who would listen. She was especially proud of their running achievements and attended almost every one of their Saint Bernard meets over the course of 15 years. Her children cherished her resilience in the face of adversity and her delight in their successes and triumphs. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren treasured her generosity, humor and wisdom.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Eileen Harrington and Sheila Burns of New Bedford, Mass. Joan was also predeceased by James Connolly, father to their children. She is survived by her six children: Michael Connolly and Mary Gazda of Charleston, R.I., Mark Connolly and Martha Crosskey of Mystic, Joanne Barthel and her husband Dennis of Noank, Jack Connolly and his wife Maggie of Denver, Colo., Susan Griffin and her husband Paul of Mystic, and Betsy Beattie and her husband Bob of Rutland, Vt.; fourteen grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family is being assisted by the Mystic Funeral Home. There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at St. Mary Church, 22 Broad Street, in Stonington with Interment to follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic. The family would like to especially thank all who helped care for Joan: longtime aide Marisa Kolodnicki, Hospice nursing staff Nancy and Carly, along with Eva Sullivan Guidera and the staff at Fairview Nursing Home. Donations can be made in Joan's memory to Saint Bernard School.