Joan M. (Donnelly) Harper

Joan Margaret Donnelly Harper passed away peacefully at The Greens at Cannondale in Wilton, CT surrounded by her family, on June 22, 2023 at the age of 92.

Joan was born on March 14, 1931 in Bridgeport, CT to the late Thomas and Margaret Donnelly, and is predeceased by her husband, James Charles Harper, Sr.

After graduating from Central High School, Joan worked in retail starting at Grants Department Store and Read’s of Bridgeport before landing a job as a secretary at Sikorsky Aircraft where as mom said,” she couldn’t type a note”. That’s where through a mutual acquaintance she met the love of her life James Charles Harper, Sr. Jim and Joan moved to Westport in 1960 to raise their children Jim and Susan. Once her children were grown, Joan returned to work as an administrative assistant at Hall-Brooke Hospital in Westport until her retirement.

Joan loved being with her family more than anything in the world although she gave her husband Jim carte blanche to play golf any day of the week. Joan was the most selfless woman who always put others first. She was an avid reader, loved to do crossword puzzles and would watch old black and white movies over and over. She was an amazing cook specializing in Hungarian dishes which she learned to cook by watching her Hungarian mother in law, Helen.

Family was the most important part of her life, and she will be greatly missed by her son Jim Harper, Jr.(Karen) of Oxford, and daughter, Susan Harper Kowalsky (Daryle) of Westport, as well as her grandchildren Harley Kowalsky, Barrett Kowalsky, Jessica Harper, Caitlin Harper Giorgio (Stefano) and great grandson, Hudson Giorgio, who somehow made her smiles bigger. In addition, Joan is survived by brother Richard Donnelly of Stratford, CT and predeceased by her sister Barbara Fritz. The family would like to thank the staff at The Greens at Cannondale for their kindness, support, compassion, and care. We are also forever grateful for the love and support given by her caregiver and friend, Marjorie Reid.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 9-11am at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 S. Benson Road, Fairfield, CT. followed by burial at the Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms Rd, Westport, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Joan’s honor by visiting www.alzfdn.org