Joanna Sarkisian

Joanna (Gallo) Sarkisian, age 90, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, in the comforting arms of her daughter and son.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Joanna was the cherished daughter of the late Vincenzo and Lucia (Strano) Gallo. She was raised in West Hartford, graduated from Hall High School, and soon met the love of her life, Norman Sarkisian. Together they built a life centered on family, community, and lasting friendships. Joanna remained a proud resident of West Hartford throughout her life.

Joanna lived a life filled with service, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. She generously volunteered her time as a Brownie leader, served on the West Hartford Public Schools Cultural Council, and was an active member of the Hartford Art School Auxiliary for many years. She had a lifelong appreciation for the arts and especially loved theater and music, making frequent trips to New York City to enjoy Broadway productions.

An accomplished bridge player, Joanna earned the distinguished title of Bridge Master and proudly served as President of the Hartford Bridge Club. She was also a member of the West Hartford Golf Club, an avid bowler and league champion, and a passionate collector of angels, each reflecting her faith, grace, and gentle spirit.

Above all else, Joanna devoted her life to her family. Her kindness, generosity, unwavering love, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. While she will be remembered for her many talents and accomplishments, her greatest joy was found in spending time with her grandchildren, whose lives she enriched with unconditional love, encouragement, and countless treasured memories.

Joanna is survived by her loving daughter, Kerry Raymond and her husband, Keith, of Bloomfield, Connecticut, and Jupiter, Florida; her son, Robert Sarkisian and his wife, Gloria, of Newport, Rhode Island; and her daughter Pamela Denesuk, her husband, Mark, and their children, Austin and Colby.

She also leaves her cherished grandchildren: Jordan Bouthot and his wife, Christine, of South Glastonbury, Connecticut; Connor Bouthot and his wife, Katie, of East Hampton, Connecticut; Alexander Sarkisian of Boston, Massachusetts; and Talia Sarkisian of Boston, Massachusetts. Joanna was especially blessed to become the proud great-grandmother of Jamison Bouthot.

She is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews and shared a special bond with the Issavi family, including Daisy Issavi, Emma Ladd, Eva Issavi, Emil Issavi, and Daniel Gentile.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort knowing that God now holds Joanna in His loving arms. Her love, compassion, wisdom, and gentle spirit will remain forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut. Burial will immediately follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Norman Sarkisian Endowed Fund for Children’s Art at Connecticut Children’s in memory of Joanna Sarkisian. Gifts can be made online at www.connecticutchildrensfoundation.org. To make a gift by mail, please send check payable to: Connecticut Children’s Foundation, Inc. Attn: Memorial Gifts, PO Box 412901, Boston, MA 02241-2901. Please include the name of the honoree & the fund name in the memo line.

"We love you, Grammy. Your love will continue to guide us, your memories will forever comfort us, and your legacy will live on through the family you cherished so deeply."

The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel of Wethersfield has been entrusted by the family to assist with the services. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com