Joan Maselek (Donovan)

Joan (Donovan) Maselek, 78, of Manchester and formerly of East Hartford, peacefully crossed over to the other side on Friday, November 16, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford. Joan was the loving wife of 56 years to Richard R. Maselek. Born in Hartford on January 25, 1935, a daughter of the late Timothy and Margaret (Kiethley) Donovan, she had resided in East Hartford for 25 years prior to moving to Manchester. Joan was a lover of all animals and a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. Besides her beloved husband, Richard, Joan is survived by two sons, Richard R. Maselek, Jr. of Vernon, Jay R. Maselek of Glastonbury; two daughters, Kim A. Mauro of Vernon, Kelly M. DiGiovanni and her husband, Dennis, of East Hartford; a brother, Philip Perrone of Hartford; four sisters, Kathleen Donovan of East Hartford, Elizabeth “Betsy” Hughes and her husband, Peter, of South Carolina, Carol Saucier and her husband, Jack, of South Carolina, Janis Christensen of Manchester; six special grandchildren, Jay R. Maselek, Jr. of New Hampshire, Coryn Maselek of Granby, Alexis Rae Mauro, Tyler Maselek, Damon Mauro, and Emily Maselek all of Vernon; four adored great-grandchildren, Cyeanne, Gabriel, Sadie, and Delilah; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be Wednesday (November 20th) at 11 am at the D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday morning from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.