Joan M. Hughes

Message from Brenda Hajec

Joan became part of my family when I was a teenager and my mom and I were very close to her. I don't need to speak of her work as a consummate professional, since that has been obvious through the many connections she made throughout her exceptional and meaningful career. Everyone who knew her in the education world respected her and admired her. Joan was a loving and giving person in every aspect of her life. She made my family's life richer and better. We cooked together, traveled together, shopped together, made flower arrangements and wreaths. She embroidered "Bulldozer" on the back of my brother's down vest, which at the time made him feel very cool. She flew to New York with us to watch my husband run the marathon and led us around the city showing us the sights. She hung out evenings at my house, watching TV, playing Trivial Pursuit, and helping my parents assemble their first ever music system. They went to "Evita" and many other things my parents never would have gone to without her. At school, she brought me into her classroom and let me teach reading to the special needs students when I was in the 10th grade. She was one of the main reasons I pursued teaching and became a college English professor. This tribute to her is a bit disjointed and not nearly as eloquent as I hoped, to pay tribute to her - mostly because I am still reeling over the fact that she is gone. There are so many little things I will remember about her: the way she paired lime green and navy blue together, the blazers she helped me buy so we would look like professional twins in the classroom, the laughs we had over getting our hair cut and whether it was a "bang" cut or not, the trips to Hills in Ipswich to find the best deals on Oxford cloth blouses, the way we'd argue over the fact that she thought Miracle Whip was just like mayonnaise, when I couldn't stand the former and would only eat the latter. We sat freezing cold in hockey rinks to watch my brother play, and she helped me pick out my prom dress. Later, she went with me to choose bridesmaid gowns and she was in my wedding along with my two other best friends some years later. She was a part of the most formative years of my life and all the good parts of me were influenced by her. I am so saddened that she is gone and sorrier still that I never had a chance to say goodbye while she was still here. I think of her often and try to remember all the joy she brought into the people's lives that she touched. My family thought of her as family, though we were not related by blood...we were related by hearts. ~Brenda Ayers Hajec

A candle was lit by Kimberly Putzu on October 23, 2012 7:22 PM

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Joan and her husband lit candles for my husband that they didn't even know. I will light Every candle for her for a very long time

Message from Lorraine Westervelt

1 file added to the album New Album Name

A candle was lit by Richard Miller on October 19, 2012 9:06 AM

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Lit a candle in memory of Joan M. Hughes

Message from Cliff Silvers

Joan and I worked together at CEA for many years. I interviewed Joan in 1986 for a position at CEA and from the very beginning of her employment she was a true advocate for teachers and public education. Joan was a consummate professional and gained the highest respect from all who worked with her. Joan Hughes made her mark at CEA and her legacy will always be part of the history of the organization. She touched many lives and we owe her a great deal of gratitude. We have not only lost a true professional, but most of all a remarkable friend. To her family I offer my sincere condolences. God Bless Joan Hughes.

Cliffilvers

Message from Kristina Wikander

Joan was such a comforting and compassionate friend to teachers. My prayers and sympathy to all who loved her. So young. Yours in Christ. Kristina Wikander

Medium Dish Garden was purchased for the family of Joan M. Hughes.

A candle was lit by Robert Miller on October 18, 2012 8:46 AM

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Joan, you will be missed. I always enjoyed my conversations with you and felt you were a great partner on behalf of our students in our district. Thank you for everything.
Rob Miller

Thinking of You Sympathy Gift Basket was purchased for the family of Joan M. Hughes.

Message from Bette Liponis

Bette Liponis purchased the Thinking of You Sympathy Gift Basket for the family of Joan M. Hughes.

A candle was lit by bette liponis on October 18, 2012 7:29 AM

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Lit a candle in memory of Joan M. Hughes

Message from Carol Ann Donchin

My husband and I had the unique chance of sharing Thanksgiving with Joan and Jon last year along with my brother-in-law, Paul, as we bonded over our grief at losing my sister just a month before. It was a very special and loving experience and we had planned to celebrate Thanksgiving together again this year. We appreciated Joan's empathy and enjoyed her company. She was a very open and giving person, and will be missed. Carol Ann Donchin

Message from Karen Moraitis

I am so saddened and shocked by this news. What a special woman Joan was - smart, funny and a joy to be with. My prayers are with her family who are suffering her loss.
Karen Moraitis
Weston teacher

Message from Sharon Dominici

Joan was a caring, thoughtful and giving person.She stood by Weston teachers; always there to help in every way. She will be sorely missed for her loving personality and her uplifting sense of humor. A great loss to all.

Message from Sharon Dominici

Sent a gift in memory of Joan M. Hughes

Message from Geraldine Carley

Always full of energy, always a smile, Joan was the epitome of generosity, kindness, and intelligence. It's difficult to imagine a world without Joan---one of a kind.

Message from Ronna Van Veghel

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A candle was lit by Ronna Van Veghel on October 16, 2012 8:13 PM

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Joan was the CEA Uniserve Representative for the New Canaan Public Schools for 27 years. She was instrumental in negotiating the best and fairest contracts. And she was a friend to all of us. She has left us physically but not in spirit. She will always be a part of who we are as New Canaan educators.

Message from Katherine Sugg

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A candle was lit by Brenda Hajec on October 16, 2012 1:07 PM

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Lit a candle in memory of Joan M. Hughes

Message from Paul Mottola

Joan was not only a wonderful cousin, but also a sincere friend! We shared much laughter and fun over the years. Joan was a generous and giving soul who helped me greatly when I lost my wife a year ago. I know she is with her beloved spiritual family in heaven. She will be greatly missed. God bless you Joan. Love, Paul

A candle was lit by Paul Mottola on October 16, 2012 10:28 AM

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Lit a candle in memory of Joan M. Hughes

Message from Brenda Hajec

1 file added to the tribute wall

Message from Jacqueline Orsino

Joan was such an inspiration to me as an educator. She gave so much to so many... on any given voyage I would see Joan helping someone... anyone... whether it was holding a door, getting a napkin to help clean up spilled juice... sharing her newspaper... giving sound advice... sharing her knowledge... she was always sharing...... she was a mentor and a friend. Joan you will be missed. I will forever appreciate every bit of advice you ever enlightened me with... All my Blessings and Condolences Jacqueline Orsino

A candle was lit by Bette Liponis on October 15, 2012 8:40 PM

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Lit a candle in memory of Joan M. Hughes

Message from Denise Milanese

A natural athlete, Joan was a proud competitive member of her Gordon College tennis team. She loved animals and was a staunch supporter of her family. She is gone too soon and will be missed.