Ellington Obituary: Joan Domian, 79

Joan (Guthrie) Domian of Ellington passed away on Sunday December 17,2017. Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Stan, her children Douglas Domian and his wife Tammy and their children Alyssa and Chelsea of Tolland, Michael Domian and his wife Marylou and their children Zach and Shane of Southington and Tracey Campise and her husband Curt and their daughter Breann of Tolland and brother-in-law, Robert Domian and his wife Marcia of South Carolina.

Joan loved people. She enjoyed meeting and getting to know everyone. She could go to a store or a restaurant and within minutes she would be in a conversation with a stranger as if she had known them all their lives. Joan loved to go to the mall in the morning and walk (and talk) with Stan and her friends. The walking club called her “Mayor of the Mall”.

Joan felt blessed to have everything she needed and nothing she didn't. Joan was extremely generous. She would send in a check to anyone who asked for a donation. The Humane Society was a favorite organization of hers that made her feel good.

Born in Springfield, MA on December 21, 1937. Later she moved to Wethersfield, and attended Wethersfield High School, then Colby Jr. College. Joan was a longtime resident of Vernon before moving to Ellington.

Joan worked at Amica in the Hartford office as a secretary to the Manager. Joan felt it was very important to take time off to raise her children. When they got older she went back to work at Rockville High School as a secretary to the Principal. This gave her an opportunity to meet new people every day and make new friends. She was also a constant presence at her children’s and later her grandchildren’s numerous athletic activities. She was her children's greatest supporter.

After her children were done with sports she replaced that void by watching UConn Women’s basketball. She was a FANatic. Joan was very athletic in her own right. She played golf, bowled, and skied (both water and snow). She belonged to two different Bridge groups and was a good player. Winning was not as important as being with her family or friends.

Joan loved her summer cottage on Pachaug Lake in Griswold. She loved spending almost the entire summer there. Weekdays were quiet times with only Stan and Joan. Joan loved the weekends when her children and grandchildren visited. A boat ride around the lake was a favorite daily activity. She loved seeing her neighbors. Additionally she loved going to the casinos for dinner and to "make some money." She enjoyed playing the slot machines.

During the winter Joan enjoyed annual trips to Fort Meyers Beach Florida which gave her the opportunity to meet and talk to a new group of people. She liked seeing the Florida Group each year, and formed some very strong relationships. Joan and Stan met Ken and Judy Haudt of Indianapolis in Florida and they become great traveling friends.

Even during her prolonged illness the staff at The Village at Buckland remarked how her smile was contagious. That smile will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Best Buddies www.bestbuddies.org, American Diabetes Assoc. www.diabetes.org, or CT Humane Society www.cthumane.org.

The wake and calling hours will be held Thursday December 21 (her 80th birthday) from 4:00 to 7:00 at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor.