Mystic - Joan E. Hovde, 91, died peacefully at Avalon Health Center Dec. 26, 2024. She was born in Worcester, MASS., and was predeceased by her husband Morris Hovde; and daughter Sherry.
Joan will be greatly missed by the Servedio family, her Cottage family and all the lives she touched with her deep faith and grace.
She lived in Gales Ferry most of her married years and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where she became a lector. In 1994, she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome where she had the pleasure of seeing Pope John Paul II. While living in Colorado, Joan became a professed Lay Carmelite. She loved the Catholic Church with all her heart, and had a great devotion to Our Lord, Blessed Mother Mary, and all the saints.
Joan's many gifts included award-winning, three-dimensional artwork, Faberge Swarovski Crystal decorated eggs, baking and gardening. In her 60s, Joan studied ballroom dancing and competed in all categories, receiving many trophies. It was truly breathtaking to watch as she flowed across the dance floor so gracefully.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at St. Patrick Church, 32 East Main Street, Mystic. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery.