In Memory of

Joan

Ritson

(Fowler)

Obituary for Joan Ritson (Fowler)

After four years apart, Joan E. Ritson was heavenly embraced by her one true love, Harry L. Ritson, on the morning of June 20, 2022. Joan was born on January 5,1932, the daughter of Edward and Janice Fowler of Stewart Manor, Long Island. A longtime resident of Simsbury, Old Lyme and, later, Glastonbury, Joan always made it a priority to be involved in her community. She was active in the Congregational Church in Glastonbury and volunteered in the FAVARH gift shop, the 58 Club and the Visiting Nurse Association of Simsbury.

High School sweethearts, Joan and Harry shared 65 years of a marriage well-lived. As newlyweds, they settled in Simsbury, where Harry built the family home to raise their children. With six children and 13 grandchildren, there was always a birthday or an event to attend. Joan never missed a date. She was known for her love of holidays, huge celebrations and formal dinners. We will always remember her famous pumpkin bread and Jewel Brooch cookie recipes- which she lovingly refused to divulge until recently.

For nearly five decades Joan looked forward to her summers at the Point O’Woods Beach in Old Lyme. Joan was never happier than when she was on her back deck with snick snacks and laughter with family and her closest friends, Joan and Bill Clark and their family. Joan cherished her time playing dominoes with her grandchildren on the front porch. We pray that her endless romantic matchmaking dreams for her grandchildren continue from above.

Feisty, fashionable and forever chocolate loving, Joan leaves her five children and their spouses: James (Nina) Ritson, Laurie (Fred) Dougherty, John (Ann) Ritson, Beth (Larry) Lavender, and Wendy (Eric) Weingarten. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her 13 grandchildren: Kim Ritson, Katherine and John Dougherty, Jesse Ritson, Abigail, Matthew and Laura Ritson, Bridget and Spencer Lavender, Evan Oakes, Olivia and Jay Weingarten, and one great-grandchild, Joseph Daniel. Joan also leaves her beloved confidante of 84 years, Joan Clark. Joan was predeceased by her eldest son, Robert S. Ritson, and her oldest Grandson, Thomas E. Ritson.

Now reunited, Joan and Harry leave a legacy of love, commitment and dedication to family. A graveside service will be held Monday, June 27th at 12:30 p.m. at the Simsbury Cemetery. In memory of their beloved mother and Gramma, the family asks, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joan’s name to honor her favorite soldier, Harry, to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury has charge of the arrangements. Please visit Joan’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.