Joan (Ellis) Brow

Joan (Ellis) Brow, 81, of East Hartford, was reunited with her high school sweetheart and lifelong soul mate, Ed, on Saturday, April 9, 2016. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward F. Brow; her parents Philip M. and Harriet M. Ellis; her sister Judith E. Griffin and her granddaughter, Katherine “Kate” A. Guastamachio.

Joan leaves behind her daughters, Candy Guastamachio of East Hartford, Sue Michnicki and her husband, Steve, of Cromwell and grandchildren Jess Guastamachio and Gerek Michnicki, as well as her sister-in-law, Roberta Dombroski, and several nieces and nephews.

Joan was born and raised in East Hartford, CT, graduating from East Hartford High School in 1954. She was employed by the Travelers’ Insurance Company, Hartford; ABA Tool & Dye, Manchester; and First Federal Savings, East Hartford.

Throughout her adult life, she was an active member of the community and participated in a wide variety of service and church groups. In service to young people, she was a Girl Scout Leader and an advisor to the Pilgrim Youth Fellowship at First Congregational Church, East Hartford. She served on many boards and committees and as a deacon at both First and South Congregational Churches in East Hartford. For many years, she was chairman of the annual “Meal in the Upper Room” at South Church. As a long-time member of the East Hartford Women’s Club, she has filled many roles, including Chairman of Ways & Means, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Treasurer and President. For many years, she’s also served as editor of “Clubline” and enjoyed participating in the Women’s Club Book Club.

Joan was an enthusiastic participant in many activities, always a hard-worker, was known for her attention to detail and always enjoyed having a good time. She was often seen at musical performances by her granddaughters, Kate and Jess, as well as baseball and soccer games which included her grandson, Gerek. She was also a long time fan of the UConn Women’s Basketball Team and the Boston Red Sox.

The family would like to express their thanks to the South Congregational Church’s Caring Ministry for their caring and support in recent years.

Funeral service will be Friday (April 15, 2016) with a celebration of Joan’s life at 11 am at South Congregational Church, East Hartford with Rev. Al Turner officiating. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Joan’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday (April 14, 2016) from 4-7 pm at the D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to the South Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT 06118. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.