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Joan Farrell Hess, 85, of Branford passed away peacefully on Nov. 2 just two short days after her husband John of 65 years passed. Born in New Haven to James and Alice Farrell, she grew up in New Haven before residing in Branford for 60 years with her loving husband.

An accomplished professional, Joan worked for St. Mary School, private physicians, and the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, all while caring for her family as a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Joan had an unwavering faith in God. She was a member of St. Mary Church in Branford. Over the years, she became very involved with the parish school and church and serviced numerous vocations for the parish.

Joan was extremely caring and proud of her three children, Kathleen Hoyt (David) of Fallston, Maryland, Elizabeth Bruenn (Sean) of Navarre, Florida, and John Hess III (Suzanne) of Guilford. She was predeceased by her sister Mary Robinson. Joan is survived by her sister Alice Naclerio of New Haven and Thomas Farrell of East Haven; her nine adoring grandchildren, Virginia, Leslie and Emily Hoyt, Sean and Kyle Bruenn, and Ashley, John IV, Lauren, and Justin Hess; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family received friends on Nov. 4 at W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 N. Main St., Branford, prior to a joint Mass of Christian burial at St. Mary Church in Branford. Burial followed in St. Agnes Cemetery, Branford. Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. For an online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com.