Obituary: Joan (Mastri) Papa, 78, of Stratford

Information and photo via Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home

Joan (Mastri) Papa, 78, of Stratford, beloved wife of the late Joseph R. Papa passed away peacefully Friday, December 21, 2018 with her loving family by her side. Born in Bridgeport on August 15, 1940 she was the daughter of the late Rose Porto Farrace Mastri and Leonard Mastri. A Bridgeport resident for most of her life, Joan graduated from Central High School and worked in the banking industry throughout her career until her retirement.

A life well lived, Joan enjoyed cooking, baking and playing cards but her greatest passion was her family. She was loved by many and admired by all. Joan had a love for music and enjoyed playing the piano. She was rooted in faith, a kind and gentle soul who was compassionate, honest and known to all as a sweet and loving person. Her most cherished time was spent with her children, grandchildren, extended family and close friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joan is survived by her loving children Kimberly Owen and her husband Davis of Easton, Tammy Papa-Rizzitelli of Trumbull and Susan Horahan and her husband John of Shelton, grandchildren, Davis Jr. and his fiancé Christina, Dr. Joseph Owen and his wife Allison, Taylor Owen, Jacqueline Rizzitelli, Alexandra and John Horahan; great grandchildren Audrey and August. In addition to her children she is survived by her devoted sister-in-law Ann Marie (Chickie) Szalan and brother-in-law Domenic Papa and his wife Jenny as well as several nieces and nephews, many of whom helped care for her along the way. Joan was pre-deceased by her siblings Philip James Farrace,Ralph Edward Farrace and his wife Opal, Madlynne Farrace Beezley and her husband Tom, Marie Farrace Liuzzo and her husband James and Leonard Mastri as well as a sister-in-law Dolores Mastri. In addition to her siblings and their spouses, Joan was also pre-deceased by her in laws Joseph and Josephine Papa, brother-in-law Philip Papa and his wife Mildred and brother-in-law Edward Szalan. Funeral services will take place Thursday, December 27 at 11:00 a.m. directly at St. Andrew Church, 435 Anton Street, Bridgeport. Entombment will follow in Gate Of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following charities; Swim Across the Sound or Shatterproof.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home here.