Joan E. Delaney, 87, of Chester, Connecticut, died peacefully in her sleep of natural causes at home on January 19, 2022. Born Joan Elizabeth Dalton in 1934 in Pelham, NY, Joan attended Catholic Schools in New York City and graduated from Hunter College with a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics. Joan later obtained an Associate Degree in Human Services from Middlesex Community College.
Directly after graduating from college, Joan married and moved to Groton, CT where she found work at Electric Boat. With two young children and her family growing, Joan moved to Old Saybrook in 1960 where she would maintain the family homestead for 57 years. Joan held a variety of jobs in her long work career as she raised five children. In Old Saybrook, Joan found her love for the water, and for teaching. During the school year, Joan was a substitute teacher and during the summer months she taught swimming. Joan was a certified Water Safety Instructor and taught all levels of swimming and life-saving to people of all ages. When her children were young, Joan took them to work with her at the Valley Shore YMCA teaching classes at beaches throughout the Shoreline Area. After becoming interested in working with people with special needs, Joan worked at Seaside Regional Center for eight years. For 15 years, Joan took two women with special needs into her home as they worked through a job training program.
Joan embraced life in Old Saybrook and enjoyed scuba diving, tennis, and golf. When it came time to leave her house in 2017, Joan found a new community at Masonicare at Chester Village, an independent living facility. Joan quickly became an active member of the community and recently served as Chair of the Activities Committee. Joan seized the opportunities to socialize and participate in the wide variety of events offered at Chester Village. Joan enjoyed attending the holiday parties, lectures, exhibits, and outings to Tanglewood, beaches, parks, and museums. Joan developed a passion for Mahjong and was soon conducting classes at Chester Village and local libraries. Joan leaves behind a legacy as a teacher, caregiver, and dear friend to many.
Joan is survived by her sisters, Barbara and her husband Ed, Irene and her husband Dominick, and their families. Joan is also survived by her children Brian (Linda), Eileen (Jeff), Colin (Sheila), and Ian (Liz). Joan was predeceased by her son Sean. Additionally, Joan is survived by eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Burial will be private. Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan’s name may be made to the Chester Village Scholarship Fund, 317 W. Main St., Chester, CT, 06412.
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