Dateline – Wells

Joan Fitzgerald Stanley, born July 15, 1932 in Coral Gables, FL to the late Paul F. and Margaret “Peg” (Murray) Fitzgerald, passed away on January 13, 2017 surrounded by her children and long-term partner, John “Cal” Conniff. Joan leaves behind her eight children and their families: Susan Stanley and Kim & Paul McDonough of Wells, ME; Sandra Stanley & Ron Lavalette of Barton, VT; Paul Stanley of Morrisville, VT; Steven Stanley & Beth Brasseur and Michael & Ellen Stanley of Newport, VT; Mary Beth Stanley-Lerner of Horseheads, NY; and Sharon & Sky Hansen of Venice, CA. She will be especially missed by her 15 grandchildren who brought such joy to her life.

Joan grew up in Springfield, MA, graduated from Classical High School and then pursued her interest in physical therapy by attending the Bouve-Boston School. In 1951, Joan married the late Arthur “Bucky” Stanley and the young couple lived with their growing family in the Forest Park section of Springfield. The family belonged to Holy Name Parish and Joan taught swimming at the Trinity United Methodist Church for several years.

As an employee of General Instrument (Chicopee, MA), Joan found her niche as a purchasing agent and followed that career path until her retirement. Transferred first to El Paso, TX by General Instrument and then to Atlanta, GA with Ohio Medical, Joan had the opportunity to live in her preferred climate: warm and sunny! After retirement, Joan reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Cal Conniff. She relocated to Longmeadow, MA to be with Cal. Cal and Joan shared a love for the Wells, ME area so in 2007, they moved to be able to spend their remaining years together in a place they loved.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful staff at York Hospital and the Wells Oncology Center for the kindness and care they provided to Joan.

There are no visiting hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish/St. Mary’s Church, 236 Eldridge Road, Wells. Burial will follow in Ocean View Cemetery, Wells. Should friends choose, memorial donations in her name are encouraged to: St. Mary’s Food Pantry, 236 Eldridge Road, Wells, ME 04090.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Joan’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, PO Box 910, Wells, ME 04090.