Joan Ellen Koonce of Niantic passed away on May 29 at the age of 87. She was
born on December 15, 1938, in Alexandria, Virginia, to James and Catherine
(Cabral) Koonce.

Joan taught herself to read before attending school, reflecting a lifelong love of
books and learning. She attended second grade in Point Arena, California, and
third through fifth grades in New London, Connecticut. In 1950, she moved to
Niantic, where she lived for the next 75 years.

Joan attended Williams Memorial Institute and graduated in 1957, where she
excelled in art. Although she did not pursue a career in the arts, she went on to
study computers and eventually joined the New London Underwater Sound
Laboratory, where she worked for many years before retiring in 1994.

Joan was a devoted animal lover, especially of cats and horses. She owned a
Burmese cat named Sassy and a Morgan horse named Cadence. She attended cat
shows with her sister, Kathy Hummer, who was a cat show judge. Joan also
worked with Jean Vasiloff, who raised Morgan horses in Old Lyme, and she
enjoyed many friendships within the Morgan horse community.

Despite her many interests, Joan always found time to serve her church. At
Niantic Baptist Church, she served as treasurer, sang in the choir, faithfully
brought her mother to church and helped her with the flowers each Sunday.

Joan is survived by her younger sister, Patricia Dziomba of Norwich. She was
predeceased by her older sister, Kathy Hummer of Melbourne, Florida, and her
brother, James Koonce Jr. of Holiday, Florida. She is also survived by two nieces,
two nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Joan will be sadly missed by all who knew her and enjoyed her wit, humor, and
conversation.

A memorial service will be held on June 19 at 3:00 p.m. at Niantic Baptist Church.