Joan G Stanko

Joan G. Stanko (Gardella) of Westbrook, died Sunday, January 19, 2014, at Middlesex Hospice in Middletown, after a short illness. Joan was born on March 9, 1932 to Louis and Sylvia(Rovegno)Gardella. She was the widow of Michael J Stanko, who predeceased her in 1999.

She attended Yale University School of Music and earned her Teachers Certificate and graduate work at Wesleyan. She taught music in the Westbrook School system from 1985 until her retirement in 2006. She was the music director for 35 years in St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Westbrook. She produced many wonderful shows and pageants and conducted several choirs. The local nursing homes looked forward to the annual Christmas Caroling Joan organized with the children's choir. She extended her love and knowledge of music to countless children in Westbrook and beyond. She will be deeply missed.

Joan is survived by her daughters and son in laws, Katherine(Katie) and Oliver Connolly of Tullamore, Ireland and Louise and Ken White of Avon. Joan is also survived by her brother and sister in law, L. George and Eileen Gardella, Huntington, N. Y. As well as their children , Carolyn , Matthew, and Diane. Her grandchildren, Michael(Regina)Connolly, Alan(Ruth)Connolly, Kevin Connolly and Claire(Michael)Connolly Kelly, all of Tullamore, Ireland. Also KR and Danielle White of Avon. She is also survived by 7 great granddaughters. Joan was predeceased by her son Michael L Stanko.

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, 1/24, from 4-8 pm at Swan FH, 1224 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook. Her concelebrated funeral mass will be held on Sat, 1/25, at 11:30 am at St Mark the Evangelist Church, 222 McVeagh Rd, Westbrook with a reception immediately following mass at Daisy Ingraham School, 105 Goodspeed Dr, Westbrook. Interment will be on Mon, 1/27, in Mount St. Peter Cemetery, 219 New Haven Ave, Derby at 11 am. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Middlesex(Weiss) Hospice, 28 Crescent St, Middletown, CT 06457.