Joan M. Keith

Joan M. Keith, 87, of Preston, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at Colonial Health and Rehab in Plainfield. Joan lived a life defined by her genuine care for others, making a quiet but significant impact on those around her. Her loyalty and kindness will be remembered by all who knew her.

Born in Norwich, Joan was the daughter of Eleanore and Theodore Montgomery. A third-generation graduate of Norwich Free Academy, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in Nursing from Mohegan Community College. She began her career as a social worker and later served as a psychiatric nurse at Norwich State Hospital before working and retiring from Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. Known for her dedication & and genuine compassion, Joan cared deeply for the well-being of others. An avid reader of all kinds of books, she secretly enjoyed her fair share of romance novels as well. She was also a sports trivia master and loved a good conversation about politics.

Joan married Stephen Keith on April 7, 1963, and they were married for 56 years until his passing in November 2019. Together, they built a home filled with love.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose family was the center of her world. She adored her grandchildren: Tyler, Madisen, Carsen, and Evan, as well as her great-granddaughter, Brooklynn. She encouraged her family to lead with compassion, think for themselves, and approach life with empathy and understanding. She was also a loving daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, and great-aunt, and her close friends remained an important part of her life.

She is survived by her son, Greg Keith, and his wife, Jill, of Preston; her daughter, Susan Keith, and her companion, Tony Trackerman, of Griswold; her grandchildren, Tyler Keith and his wife, Michela; Carsen Keith and her fiancé, Ethan Truman; and Evan Keith; and her great-granddaughter, Brooklynn Shea Keith. She also leaves her brother, Theodore Montgomery, and his wife, Donna, and her sister, Ann Mauer. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Madisen Keith, and her brother, Robert Montgomery.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Preston City Congregational Church. A celebration of life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Epicure Brewing in Norwich.

Joan will be laid to rest at Quabbin Cemetery beside her husband, Stephen.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut.