It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Evelyn Ryan, who died after a long illness on July 4, 2026, at the age of 83. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Daniel Ryan, with whom she shared 55 happy years of marriage. Born in Hartford, CT on November 29, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Ernest William and Evelyn Hulda Kellerstrass.

Joan graduated from Wethersfield High School Class of 1960. After graduating, she attended Central Connecticut Teacher’s College and graduated in 1964 with a BS.  She continued her education at Wesleyan University where she met and married Dan. She graduated with an MA in 1972. She taught high school Biology for several years before having children. Later, she returned to school at Hartford State Technical college and graduated in 1980 with a degree in data processing. Joan built a successful second career as a systems analyst, working for several insurance companies in Hartford, Connecticut. She was respected for her sharp analytical mind, dedication, and professionalism throughout her career.

Outside of her work, Joan found joy in creative and meaningful pursuits. She was a talented quilt designer whose handcrafted quilts reflected both her artistic eye and generous spirit. She spent hours selecting the perfect fabrics to make her projects come to life. She designed personalized projects for family members and friends, and she created patriotic quilts which were donated to military veterans through the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

 Joan also had a deep passion for genealogy, spending countless hours researching her family's ancestry and preserving its history for future generations. Her dedication to uncovering and documenting her family's roots created a lasting gift that will be treasured by generations to come.

Joan is survived by her daughter Kathy Ryan and her partner David Boutin of Tolland; son, Daniel J. Ryan, III and his wife Alexandra of Camas, WA; two sisters, Joyce Johnson, of Clarksboro, NJ, and Janice Piazza and husband Robert Piazza of Fort Myers, FL; two sisters-in-law, Madeleine Ryan and dear friend Cathy DeSantis of Port Washington, NY and Theresa Lentino of Elmont, NY; two grandchildren, Bridget and Emerson Ryan; and three bonus grandchildren, Jared, Lacey and Piper Boutin. She also adored her many nieces, nephews, and their children. Besides her parents and husband, Joan was predeceased by her sister-in-law Patricia Kaplan and three brothers-in-law Charles Johnson, Jason Kaplan, and Steven Lentino.

The Ryan family would like to thank the staff at the Residence at Ferry Park who lovingly cared for Joan during her final years. 

There will be a graveside service held Saturday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairview Avenue in Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation, P.O. Box 2793, Rancho Santa FE, CA 92067. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.