Joan Mae (Karsmarski) Phaneuf

Joan Mae (Karsmarski) Phaneuf, 91, of Bristol, loving mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 10, 2024 surrounded by the love of her cherished family. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Paul E. Phaneuf, Sr., who predeceased her in 2014.

Joan was born on May 10, 1933 in Meriden, CT daughter to the late Joseph Charles and Estelle “Stella” (Brown) Karsmarski. She was raised in Meriden and moved to Plainville where she attended schools and received her education. Joan's early life was marked by challenges, but she emerged resilient and compassionate, thanks to the unwavering love and guidance of her grandmother, Julia (Colby) Brown, who helped raise her. Joan was forever grateful to her grandmother, who instilled in her invaluable life skills and lessons. Throughout her life, Joan touched the lives of many with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication and devotion to her family.

At the tender age of 18, Joan met the love of her life, Paul, and together they embarked on a journey of love, laughter, and unwavering commitment on December 15, 1951. Their bond was unbreakable, a shining example of love that lasted until his passing in 2014. Through the course of their marriage, they built a home and a family to call their own on the foundation of unconditional love, loyalty and trust.

Joan spent her career in the administrative field, initially working as a bookkeeper before becoming the proprietor of Phaneuf Children's Patch, formerly located on Whiting Street in Plainville, where she poured her heart and soul into the business. She took great pride in running the store and even modeled her own grandchildren in the clothing sold there.

Known for her love of watching classic TV shows like NCIS and Perry Mason, as well as indulging in her passion for romance novels and the Greatest Hits of Frankie Laine, Joan's presence brought joy and warmth to all who knew her. Her penchant for number games and love of chocolate fudge were just a few of the many things that made her unique and cherished.

Though she may no longer be with us in physical form, her spirit and positive impact will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of all who were privileged to have known her. Her family finds solace in the knowledge that she is now at peace, watching over them with love and grace.

Joan is survived by her son, Paul E. Phaneuf, Jr., her grandchildren, Melanie McQuarrie and her husband, Jim, Jarrod Cox and his wife, Alicia, P. Marc Phaneuf III and his wife, Abi, Brynn Cox, Kelly Phaneuf, and Conor Phaneuf and his wife, Katrina, her great-grandchildren, Madison, Tanner, Nate, Emma, Colin, Natalie, Owen, Lachlan, Thomas, and Leo, her great-great-grandchildren, Payson and Ryleigh, her brother, Chester Place and several extended family members.

In addition to her husband, Paul E. Phaneuf, Sr., her father, Joseph Karsmarski, her mother and step-father, Stella and Chester Place and her cherished grandmother, Julia (Colby) Brown, Joan was predeceased by her daughters, Deborah (Phaneuf) Cox, Paula Phaneuf, and Lisa (Donahue) Phaneuf and her sisters, Judith Morin and Gloria Larson.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville. A prayer service led by Fr. Dietrich will begin at 10:30 AM. Burial will be held privately. Donations in memory of Joan may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023(www.diabetes.org).

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