Obituary of Joann N. Whitman

Joann Nancy Whitman, age 81 of Ansonia, beloved wife of the late Edward James Whitman, Jr., died peacefully on July 26, 2022 at Griffin Hospital, surrounded by her family. Born in Bristol, CT on August 19, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Mary Comparone Parnoff.  Mrs. Whitman was raised in Bridgeport and Trumbull and was a graduate of Harding High School; she has resided in Ansonia since 1972. Mrs. Whitman worked as a Purchasing Clerk for the United Illuminating Co. for 10 years, until her retirement in 1995.  Prior to U.I., she worked as an Associate for Rite Aid Pharmacy at the Ansonia Mall for many years.  Mrs. Whitman was a loving mother and grandmother who supported her children and grandchildren throughout all their academic and athletic endeavors.  She was a devout member of Holy Rosary Church where she sang in the choir, was an active member and former president of the Rosary Guild and volunteered at the annual “Festa”.   Mrs. Whitman fervently watched the daily TV Mass and prayed the rosary.  She is survived by her devoted children, Edward James Whitman, III and his wife, Anne Marie of Orange and Mary Helen Bidwell and her husband, Robert of South Windsor; a brother, Frederick Parnoff and his wife, Cindy of Orange; cherished grandchildren, Edward James Whitman IV, Grace Anne Whitman and Jayne Marie Whitman, all of Orange and Matthew Thomas Bidwell and Gregory James Bidwell, both of South Windsor; as well as several nieces, nephews and many dear friends.  Funeral services will take place on Monday, August 1, 2022 at 9:00 AM from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Holy Rosary Church, 10 Father Salemi Dr., Ansonia.  Interment will follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery, Derby.  Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, July 31, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.  The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Coralee and the staff of Opal Stork Home Care, for their compassionate care extended to Joann in her time of need.  In the spirit of Joann’s favorite expression “Have a Rainbow Day”, all attending are encouraged to wear bright and cheerful colors.  Memorial contributions and Mass offerings may be made to the TV Mass of the Archdiocese of Hartford at ORTV, 15 Peach Orchard Rd., Prospect, CT 06712.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.