Obituary of Joan Mary Thorpe

Joan (Olenchuk) Thorpe, 86, of Seymour, entered into eternal life on May 15, 2020 at Apple Valley Rehab Shelton Lakes Nursing Home in Shelton after a brief illness. Joan was born in Derby on July 14, 1933, daughter of the late Samuel and Helen (Zavalick) Olenchuk. She was a bookkeeper and personal assistant for many years until she retired from H. Krevit & Co. Joan was an avid reader and loved listening to music. She cared deeply about her Catholic Faith, and looked forward to the Mass and Rosary whenever she could participate or watch. Joan’s biggest legacy will always be her deep love for her family, and the joy shared at the many all-family picnics at her sister Flo’s home in Seymour, affectionately known as the Cegelka Polish Pavilion. She loved the Gavin family as in-laws, with whom we have journeyed together for much of our lives as Jamie and Jennifer grew up. And, we can’t forget her joy around her two favorite huskies in the world, Jody’s dogs, Rosie and Rayu! Joan is survived by her sons, John (Kathy, and grandsons, Justin and Jeremy) of Southington and Jody (Jessica, and grandchildren, Jasmine, Vinny, Amanda, Nicole and Chuck) of Seymour; brother, Samuel (Ruth) Olenchuk; brother-in-law, Ken Kanyuck; daughter-in-Law, Diane (Gavin) Thorpe; granddaughter, Jennifer (Thorpe) Scioscia (Richard, and great granddaughters, Juliana, Madyson and Olivia) of Oxford; grandson, Jamie Thorpe (Nisha, and great granddaughters, JamieLynn, Anna and Sadie) of East Hampton; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She especially enjoyed her daily calls with her niece, Betty, who loved her like a mother and will truly miss her. Joan was predeceased by her daughter, Julie; son, Jeffrey; brother, John (Olga) Olenchuk; sisters, Florence (Joe) Cegelka, Alice (Bill) Weymer, Mary (Lloyd) Grass, and Jean Kanyuck; and nephews, Jim and John Olenchuk, Rick Cegelka and Ken Kanyuck, Jr. The family would like to thank all the brave and caring staff at Shelton Lakes, and the facility’s Optum Case Manager, Chana, for the great care Joan received there, especially over the past few months during the pandemic. Until she became ill, Joan actively enjoyed bingo, the Rosary, and anything music. As she enters into eternity, we believe she can now enjoy perfect music in heaven for as long as she likes. The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Due to the Corona Virus, services will be private and burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family requests that those who are willing and able please make a donation in Joan’s name to Southington Bread for Life, 31 Vermont Ave., Southington CT. www.southingtonbreadforlife.org