Joanne Caroline Nolan

Joanne Caroline Vercelli Nolan, 73, of Mansfield, died peacefully on March 16, 2015 at Hartford Hospital. She was born in Hartford on May 15, 1941. She is survived by her beloved husband Donald Nolan of 44 years. She was the daughter of the late Joseph T. and Angela (Dalia) Vercelli and was predeceased by her brothers Louis and John (Jack) Vercelli and her step-daughter Maureen Nolan. After graduating from Hall High School she worked as an assistant in a legal office then went on to serve the State Department in Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic and Portugal. Joanne married Don Nolan in 1970 and eventually settled on Beech Mt. Rd. in Mansfield. She was active in many community groups including P.E.O., the Mansfield Democratic Town Committee, the Mansfield Garden Gate Club and the Storrs Cemetery Committee. Joanne was a docent at the Benton Museum and a moderator for the election process. She became a justice of the peace in 2012. Joanne loved playing bridge and attending her book club. She will be deeply missed by her step daughter Kathleen (Nolan) Osborne and son-in-law Robert Osborne of New Brunswick, Canada as well as her five grandchildren Erin, Bronwen, Megan, Nolan and Pushpa Kumari, her twelve great grandchildren, her sisters-in-law Lee (Louis) and Joan (John) Vercelli, her nephew, niece and many cousins. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joanne's name can be made to Chapter S of the P.E.O. and sent to Joan Terry, treasurer, 4D Sycamore, Storrs, CT 06268. P.E.O. is an international philanthropic organization that provides educational opportunities for women. Joanne is a past president of local chapter S. A viewing will take place at Potter Funeral Home on Thursday March 19, 2015 from 5-7:00pm. The funeral service will be held at Potter Funeral Home on Friday March 20, 2015 at 11:00am. Online condolences may be paid at www.potterfuneralhome.com