Joanne P. Simpson

Joanne Petroski Simpson, 72, passed away peacefully at her home in West Hartford on Friday, January 10th, surrounded by her loving family. Joanne, or "Jo" as she was affectionately known, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her life was characterized by an unwavering love for her family, boundless compassion, and a talent for bringing joy to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and cherished relationships, and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on New Year’s Eve, 1952, in Dover, Delaware, Joanne was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Irene (Groot) Petroski. She spent her early childhood in Newton, MA, before the family settled in Manchester, CT, where she grew up. Joanne attended Verplanck and Assumption Schools, later graduating from East Catholic High School in 1970. Joanne earned her B.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Connecticut in 1975. She worked as a pediatric physical therapist at The Meeting Street School and Easter Seals in Providence, RI, where she touched many lives with her clinical expertise and deep empathy. In 1977, she married David Tate Simpson, and soon after, she began a new chapter of her career, channeling her nurturing spirit into caring for animals. As a Certified Veterinary Technician at the Avon Veterinary Clinic in Avon, CT, Joanne worked under the guidance of Dr. Fred Feibel for nearly two decades, forming lasting friendships with her colleagues, including Dr. Tom Morganti. Her time at the clinic not only brought her professional fulfillment, but also the joy of adopting several pets who became part of her family. After retiring from the veterinary field, Joanne shifted her focus to her work as a library paraprofessional at Wolcott School in West Hartford, where she thrived for many years. She formed close bonds with the staff, especially Sarah Lynch, and was known for her remarkable ability to remember students’ names, even years after her retirement. While Joanne’s career brought her joy, it was her role as a mother and grandmother that truly defined her. She was a steadfast and loving mother to her children, Margot and Kevin, and she created a home filled with warmth, safety, and boundless love. Her children’s friends - particularly Scott Shand and Angela Savanella Stein - were always treated like family, and she was actively involved in their school and extracurricular activities, planning events, fundraisers, and graduation parties. Her home was a gathering place for their friends, always stocked with snacks and welcoming to all. Joanne’s deep friendships were also a cornerstone of her life. She shared over 50 years of friendship with Anne (Stevenson) Goldberg, whom she met on the first day of college at UConn. Anne’s unwavering support during Joanne’s final months was a gift to her family. Joanne’s close-knit group of friends, known affectionately as "The Ladies" (Laurie, Emily, Lynn, Kerry, and Julie), gathered annually at Black Point in Niantic to enjoy margaritas and laugh long into the night. She also formed lifelong friendships through her involvement with her children’s activities, particularly with her dear friend Marylou Shand. The greatest joy of Joanne’s life was becoming "Grandma Jo" - "GJ" - to her four beloved grandchildren: Henry Tate and Charlotte Josephine Reynolds, and Nora Grace and William George Simpson. Joanne reveled in spending time with them, and their presence brought her immense joy, especially in her final days. She cherished every moment with them, grateful for the opportunity to watch them grow and to spoil them with love. Joanne had a passion for travel, having explored destinations as diverse as Italy, Alaska, Prince Edward Island, and Puerto Rico. But her favorite place to be was at Black Point Beach in Niantic, CT, just an hour from home. There, she loved hosting cookouts for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, taking walks around Old Black Point, and enjoying peaceful moments on the pier—sometimes bundled up in a parka, regardless of the season. Joanne is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, David Tate Simpson; her daughter, Margot Simpson Reynolds and her husband, Chilton, of Oneonta, NY; and her son, Kevin Simpson and his wife, Kate, of West Hartford. She also leaves her brother, Mark (Diane) Petroski of Manchester; her sister, Susan (Will Foran) Lofstrom of Manchester; and her brothers-in-law, Doug (Bobbie) Simpson of Wethersfield, Steve (Cathy) Simpson of West Milford, NJ, and Peter Lofstrom of Chaplin, CT. Joanne was a loving aunt to nieces and nephews Greg and Phil Scollan, Irene Petroski, Joe (Joannah) Petroski, Elizabeth Simpson, Sarah (Bruce Terra) Lofstrom, and Will (Mariah) Lofstrom, as well as several great nieces and nephews. She will also be deeply missed by her beloved dog, Muppet. Joanne was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Michael. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional team of nurses and providers at McLean Hospice, whose compassionate care made Joanne's final weeks more comfortable. Special thanks to nurses Cassandra and Hazel for their kindness and support. The family would also like to acknowledge the providers at Hartford Hospital, particularly Dr. Moya, Dr. Shapiro, Dr. DeFusco, and the nurses on Bliss 7 and North 8, for their dedicated care and respect during Joanne’s hospitalizations. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 14th, from 4-7 PM at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. A Celebration of Life will be held the following morning, Wednesday, January 15th, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the same location. Please visit www.molloyfuneralhome.com for online condolences. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Connecticut Humane Society.

Joanne P. Simpson

December 31, 1952 - January 11, 2025