Joan Christena Totten Steadman Cook departed this life on February 24th after 82 years.
She grew up on Maple Crest Farm in East Hartford. Her faith and the church were anchors in Joan’s life where her passion for music was ignited. In her youth , she learned to sing and play the piano and her talent and reputation were shared with many, from churches in Mystic, Ledyard and Pawcatuck to accompanying US Coast Guard Academy choral groups.
Joan performed many roles in the region as Music Director of the Mystic River Chorale, Conductor and accompanist for the Eastern CT Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. She also directed music for many Pfizer Player musicals and performed at many local events, including accompanying Lionel Hampton and leading local backup singers for Paul Anka and Rosemary Clooney to name a few.
She married Bernard Steadman after graduating from Middlesex School of Nursing and they raised two exceptional children Dr Suzanne Dambek, MD and Capt.Timothy Steadman USN, retired.
Joan and Roger Cook were married on June 15th, 1996, brought together by their love of music, travel and sailing. Joan preferred to see the world from the sea including her beloved Block Island where the Tottens lived for generations. She and Roger enjoyed cruising and sailing trips through the waters of New England and the Virgin Islands with family and friends. They travelled extensively throughout Europe, the South Pacific and just last December, cruised the Amazon River.
Joan is survived by her devoted husband, Roger Cook, daughter Dr. Suzanne Dambek, Suzanne’s husband Paul and their sons, James, Jeremy and Kurt; her son Captain Timothy Steadman and his wife Melissa and their sons Henry and Ryan; her stepsons Adam and Caleb Cook, and her stepdaughter Betsy Proctor, her husband Rob and their daughter Welles. She will be greatly missed by her beloved Westies, Annie and Maggie. Friends and colleagues will remember her legacy of music, shared memories and a heart filled with love for those who will mourn her passing. Godspeed Joan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 6, at 11:00am at St. Michael Church, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck with burial immediately following in St. Michael Cemetery, Pawcatuck.