Joy Ann Dondero

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Joy Dondero, who left this world unexpectedly at home in Clinton, Connecticut on December 11th. She was truly special and one of a kind, cherished by her family and friends, and her spirit will forever live on in our hearts as we aspire to live each day with the same joy and humility that came so naturally to her.

On October 4th, 1941, in Meriden, Connecticut, Irene and Stanley Drechsler gave birth to a baby girl and named her Joy. How they ever could have known how fitting her name would be; she was a true joy to all who were lucky to know her and she will be forever missed.

Joy graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1959 and attended Laurel Business School. She went on to work at Travelers Insurance Company for a few years before dedicating all her time to raising her family. Joy went back to work as a dental assistant but her greatest career accomplishment was being a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Joy married the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Dondero, on June 22nd, 1963, and they built a beautiful life for their five children in South Meriden, CT, spending summers at their cottage in Clinton, CT and following retirement, welcoming family and friends to their home in Jupiter, FL. Joy’s number one priority was family. She went above and beyond to create a truly loving home. She never put her own interests or needs above those of her husband and children. There was always room in the house for another guest at their frequent family gatherings and celebrations.

Joy brought warmth, love, and a truly joyful spirit to everything she did. Through all life’s challenges, she never complained or wavered in her faith; instead, she made the most of every day and was a true inspiration to all around her. Joy was a flower whisperer, as evidenced by her beautiful gardens that bloomed brighter (and bigger) with each passing year. She truly appreciated the beauty of all God’s creations, and her homes proudly display the treasures and crafts created and collected throughout the years. Her smile was infectious, and it is impossible to capture in words how incredibly special she was.

Joy was devoted to her community at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation in Clinton, Connecticut and St. Jude’s in Tequesta, Florida. For over a decade, Joy thoughtfully designed and cared for the gardens at St. Mary’s Church, never asking for praise or recognition.

Joy will forever be cherished by her children Lisa (Palma) and husband Michael and their children Matthew, Samantha, Jack and Charlotte; Kathy (Monnes) and husband Jeff and their children Caroline, Christopher and Colin; Mark and wife Tami and their daughter Katie; and Rick and wife Marilyn and his son Michael. Joy will be greatly missed by her sister Mary Drechsler, brother and sisters-in-law Mark and Dottie Drechsler and Jerry and Faith Drechsler. Joy is now dancing in Heaven with her beloved husband Richard and their son Michael.

The family requests that guests attending the funeral wear the beautiful colors that grew in Joy’s gardens to help us celebrate her beautiful life. Calling hours are Friday, December 15th from 3 to 7 at St. Mary’s Church at 54 Grove St, Clinton CT. Funeral mass is Saturday, December 16th at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Mary’s Church Gardens.