Joan M. Muggleston

Joan Marie (Pekrul) Muggleston, 88, of Old Saybrook, CT, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, surrounded by her daughters, son, and grandchildren. Joan was born on May 9, 1938, to the late Julius and Anna (Krieger) Pekrul. Joan was born and raised in Torrington and upon graduating high school, attended the Waterbury Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1959 as a Registered Nurse.

Joan spent a lifetime caring for others. In addition to raising four children, she dedicated 45 years to caring for patients at local nursing homes as a head nurse, devoted time to private duty, and volunteered for the Essex Ambulance. She redefined determination and strength in her battle for healthcare advocacy and improved patient care.

More still, Joan orchestrated a flourishing garden to frame the house she made a home. She could get the saddest looking plant, flower, or bush to come back to life, just another example of how nurturing Joan was. Her cherished companions, Webster (Webbie) and Tigger (Tiggie), kept watch over her as she meticulously brought life to the yard. Joan also loved turning the kitchen into a place not only of full bellies, but of full hearts. At the sight of Joan in the kitchen, her cookbooks garnishing the counter, you knew something good was coming.

Of course, she loved to keep her mind sharp. You could find her on Sunday mornings sitting in her living room with the light from the wood stove reflecting off her tenacious eyes as she worked on the latest crossword puzzle with a cup of black coffee firm in her hand. An avid bird lover, Joan’s yard was always riddled with bird feeders. She knew what kind of bird was on the feeder at every moment. She kept an organized home, and in case you forgot the days’ to-dos, you could rest assured a list was waiting for you on the kitchen counter. Joan will be forever missed by her friends, family, and the people whose lives her touch made better.

Joan was predeceased in death by her son, Ronald Muggleston, Jr., and is survived by her sister Carol (Gene) Schroeder, her children Denise (Scott Chambers) Muggleston, Debra (Landon) Bernheiser, Eric (Meredith) Muggleston, and her grandchildren Patrick (PJ), Jacy, Brianna, Cole, Dillon, Catie, and Skyler.

Private services with a celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.