Marie F. Joanis

Marie (Ferrero) Joanis, of Wethersfield, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025. Born on December 5, 1932 in Hartford, she was the daughter of the late Angelina and Joseph Ferrero. Marie was predeceased by her beloved husband of 64 years, Norman Joanis, and their son, Steven Joanis. She is survived by her daughters: Germaine Devanney of Marlborough and Kim Joanis of Wethersfield.

A loving and proud grandmother, Marie leaves behind her grandchildren: Thomas Devanney and wife Tina, Ryan Devanney and wife Meredith, Angela Commisso and husband Ryan, Stephanie Joanis and husband Nick Geuser, Christopher Joanis and wife Melanie and Haley Joanis and fiancé Ryan Gannon.

She is also survived by nine cherished great-grandchildren: Mason, Caylin, Logan, Kyle, Jameson, Ryan, Joshua, Haley and Stevie Raye. In addition, Marie leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

To her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless neighborhood children, Marie was lovingly known as “Ema,” a special nickname given to her by her first-born grandson, Tommy Devanney—a name that has stuck with her the past 49 years.

Marie was a woman of faith throughout her life. She was a member of St. Augustine’s Church in Hartford, and after moving to Wethersfield, she became a dedicated parishioner of Corpus Christi Church.

Marie graduated from Bulkeley High School and later married the love of her life, Norman, on October 13, 1956. Together they built a warm and loving home, raising their three children. After working at Travelers early in her adult life, Marie became a stay-at-home mother. In 1968, the family settled in Wethersfield. Once her children were older, she returned to the workforce as a paraprofessional for the Hartford Board of Education at Fox Elementary School then Burns Elementary School, a role in which she touched the lives of countless students.

Marie will be remembered for her unwavering love of family and commitment to caring for others. She was a fill-in grandmother to many. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and the memories she leaves behind.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Heather Smith, Marie's devoted caretaker and cherished friend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 10 at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Church, 10 Campfield Avenue, Hartford. Everyone is asked to meet directly at church. Services for Marie will conclude after Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie’s memory may be made to Save All Dogs Rescue, 120 Hale Road, #1, Manchester, CT 06042. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Marie, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com