Joan A. Mockler (Huard), 84, died peacefully July 30th, Thursday eve, surrounded by family at home in Noank. Born in Danielson, Sept. 29th, 1930 to Alexander Huard and Margaret Leary she was the 11th child of 13 and the last surviving. Raised on Broadway in Mystic, Joan was a graduate of Stonington High School. After marrying James R. Mockler in 1951, Joan and Jim settled in Noank in 1957 on Tryon Ave. an area of Noank she lovingly referred to as Poker Flats.
Joan was a charter member of the Mystic Junior Women’s Club, Den Mother and later in life, Superintendent of the neighboring Mystic River Homes, a position she held for over 30 years. Upon retirement in 2011 the lane connecting MRH to Tryon Ave was officially christened “Joan’s Way”. Her natural propensity for hosting dinners featuring Whittles Corn, Pot Roast or Clam Sauce (on Mondays) will be greatly missed, along with the delight she took in opening the day’s mail, shopping at the SubBase, dining at the Seahorse, growing Roses and Peonies, sipping Dewar’s and reading most every mystery that passed through the Mystic & Groton Libraries. An avid supporter of the arts, Joan was known to frequent theater at Goodspeed Opera House, collect Peter Potts Pottery, travel extensively and generally carry on a life abundant in seasonal traditions, most notably hosting an open house each Christmas Eve; gifting each guest with a handmade gizmo. Joan’s legacy lives on in the traditions of friendship.
Joan is survived by her three sons, James R., Timothy R. and William E. and her cherished granddaughter Carissa, all of Noank, as well as friends of 50 plus years Herma Kluck and Janice Walker, numerous nieces and nephews and her loyal pet companion Moses 2.
The Mocklers wish to express gratitude to the Visiting Nurses and Hospice of Southeastern CT for their thoughtful and gentle caregiving.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mystic-Noank & Groton libraries, where she was a weekly patron.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8pm Thursday, August 6th, at the Dinoto Funeral Home of Mystic and an open internment will be held at 10am on Friday, August 7th at the Noank Valley Cemetery.
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