Joan E. Ziegler

1937 - 2021

Montville - Joan E. Ziegler, 83, passed away April 8, 2021, comforted and surrounded by her children. She was born in Jewett City, July 4, 1937, to Louis and Ellen (Dawley) Cyr. Joan grew up in Jewett City, and graduated from Griswold High School. After graduation, she worked for Dr. Frederick Barrett in Jewett City, for several years. She married Robert P. Ziegler Feb. 20, 1960, at St. Mary's Church in Jewett City. Robert and Joan settled down in Montville, having seven children.

After raising her children, Joan went to work within the Montville School system, starting at Mohegan School, working at Tyl Middle School and ending at Dr. Charles E. Murphy School in Oakdale. She loved the interaction with both teachers and students, and truly enjoyed going to school every day. She retired in 2010, after 19 years, and then continued at the school volunteering her time for an additional nine years. She cherished the friendships she made, and these lasted well beyond her time at the school.

In her spare time, she loved to read, do puzzles and word searches, play candy crush and most of all, enjoyed her gossip magazines. She was also an avid fan of the UConn women's basketball program. Her favorite activity, however, was spending time with her family, especially watching her grandchildren participate in sporting events, recitals or other functions.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband; son, Edward; and daughter Susan. Her survivors include five children; and eight grandchildren, with a great-granddaughter on the way. Her survivors are Robert M. Ziegler and his wife Linda of Portland; Louis Ziegler and his wife Jeanette of Oakdale; Mary Ellen Cardello and her husband Jack of Old Saybrook; Patricia Birtles and her husband Scott of Cranston, R.I.; and Jennifer Bishop and her fiancé Edward Clesowich of Uncasville; grandchildren are Matt Ziegler, Michele Coonan, Nicholas Birtles, Jordan Birtles, Sydnie Ziegler, Ryan Ziegler, Alexa Cardello and Edward L. Clesowich.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the nursing staff on A3 at Backus Hospital. "Your care and compassion for Joan was amazing." In addition, a special thanks to Jen and Ed for your efforts to care for mom over the years and allow her to remain at home.

There will be no calling hours. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, at St. John's Church, 22 Maple Avenue in Montville. There will be a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made in her name to Dr. Charles E. Murphy School Activity Fund, 500 Chesterfield Road, Oakdale CT 06370 to support and assist children in need.

To leave a message of condolence for Joan's family, please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com. The Montville Funeral Home of Church and Allen is assisting with arrangements.