Joann Victoria Chapel

Born in New London, CT on September 14, 1938, the daughter of John Ellsworth and Magna (Englund) Haynes, Joann lived in Montville and then Salem through her childhood. After raising her family in Montville, Joann bought her own first home in Plainfield CT in 1987. In 1994, Joann moved, together with Bob, to Oakdale CT, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Joann graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1956 and from Quinebaug Valley Community College in 1992, earning a degree in Nursing.

Joann reinvented herself many times over . . . from being a receptionist for a dental office, an assistant at a physician’s office, teacher’s aide and tutor for blind children in the Montville school system, QC/Calibrator for Faria Corp and then UNC Inspector at United Nuclear. She finally found her true calling as a nurse at Norwich Pediatric Group where she worked until her retirement in 2000. Prior to retirement she spent many summers volunteering for a week as a camp counselor at Camp Rising Sun, a camp for children with cancer and their siblings. After retirement she worked training CNAs and volunteered as an ESL tutor. She was also involved with Martin House and Thames River Community Service in Norwich, where she served on the board.

Joann’s creativity and talents were limitless. She was an amateur hairdresser, seamstress, therapist, and knitter. She tackled many DIY home improvement projects before HGTV was a thing. She was an avid reader and loved working on crossword and cryptoquote puzzles. She also enjoyed traveling, often accompanied by her dear friend Carol.

Her greatest attribute was her capacity to love and cherish anyone who was lucky enough to know her.

Remaining to cherish Joann’s memory are Bob Kaufman, her loving partner of over 40 years; son John Chapel of Salem, daughters Joann Records (Wayne) of Quaker Hill and Kathryn Pianta (Christopher) of Colchester; Grandchildren Carissa Falconi, Jaime Liebig (Paul), Brennen Records (Charline), Cara Simpson (Christopher), Adam Pianta (Becky), and Mira Pianta; Great Grandchildren Ari Falconi, Henry, Isla, Liam, and Eden Liebig, Bjorn Records, and Mae Simpson; brothers John R. Haynes (Johanna) formerly of Salem, David Haynes (the late Olive “Tiny”) of Salem, and Harry Haynes (Judith) of Waterford and Naples, FL; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Visitation and service will be held on Sunday, March 2 from 2-4pm at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich, CT. Interment will be private.

If you wish to make a donation in honor of Joann’s memory, please consider Camp Rising Sun https://www.camprisingsun.com/ or any charity of your choosing. Online condolences may be shared at www.churchandallen.com.