Joan Diane Hauptfeld, 81, of Preston died Thursday, June 9, 2022. Joan was the oldest of J. Daniel and Irene (Chaput) Emond of Pawtucket RI. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Joseph Charles and her sister Louise Mary. She is survived by her sister Nancy Nunes and husband Daniel, their daughter Chrissy and a cousin Judy Audette.
Mrs. Hauptfeld graduated from St. Mary’s Academy Bay in East Providence. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Salve Regina College. She did post-graduate work at Rhode Island College and Central Connecticut University.
Joan was proud to be one of the original teachers of the Ledyard Junior-Senior High School. As the school added classes Joan spent most of her thirty-seven years as a Freshman Mathematics teacher. After retiring, she volunteered in the office for three years until her last ninth grade class graduated.
Joan spend her retirement enjoying her gardens and her lovely view of Avery Pond; cheering on the UCONN and Sun teams; attending plays at The Garde, Trinity and Goodspeed theaters; solving puzzles of all sorts; caring for many cats, especially her beloved Smokey, and feeding the birds. She volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul’s Soup Kitchen in Norwich, meeting people and contributing an ever-changing list of supplies. Joan was very proud of St. Vincent’s recognition of her work.
Joan did extensive traveling, visiting 38 of the states, Europe and Africa. She was known as Auntie Joan, Connecticut Gram or Mrs. H. by the many children of her friends and former students.
Funeral arrangements are private. Donations may be made in Joan’s name to St. Vincent de Paul’s Soup Kitchen or the charity of your choice.
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