Obituary of Joan M. Thibodeau

Joan M. (Serafin) Thibodeau, 77, of Putnam, died Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at the Regency Health Care in Danielson, CT. She was the wife of the late Philip J. Thibodeau. She was born May 8, 1934 in Raynham, MA, daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Shurgot) Serafin. Joan was a writer and Educator. She was a graduate of the Putnam Catholic Academy, and received her Bachelor's from Annhurst College in 1956, her Master's from the University of Notre Dame in 1965 and her Ph.D. in 1968. She was a member of the faculty at St. Bernard High School in New London and dean of faculty at the University of Hartford. Joan also was an associate professor at the Capital Community and Technical College, the dean of faculty, an intermediate director of Connecticut Colleges Instructional TV. She is the author of "Faulkner's Uses of the Classics" in 1983. Joan had a great love for poetry, writing, active in many community projects, including offering tutoring services and helping college student prepare for their careers. She had made her home at the Regency in Danielson for over eighteen years. She leaves her brother Peter T. Serafin of Putnam; a niece Deborah Lamiotte of Putnam; an uncle Stanley Shurgot of Raynham, MA; several cousins including Virginia Shurgot of Killingly, CT. A Graveside Service will be Saturday, September 10, 2011at 10:30 AM in St. Mary Cemetery, Providence Street, Putnam, CT. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the St. Mary Church, 218 Providence Street, Putnam, CT 06260. Arrangements by Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam. www.smithandwalkerfh.com