Joan Kevorkian

CHESHIRE - Joan C. (Hagood) Kevorkian, 68, beloved wife of Lt. Col. U.S. Army (Ret.) Harold "Hal" Kevorkian, passed away Monday August 8, 2011 at the Alzheimer's Resource Center of Connecticut (A.R.C.C.) in Plantsville with her loving family by her side.

Born May 1, 1943 in Meriden, Joan was the devoted daughter of the late Joseph F. and Susan E. (Betts) Hagood. She was educated in Meriden schools and, in 1964, graduated from Brooklyn Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. Joan worked as a Registered Nurse in Rochester, New York and Boston, Massachusetts where she met her future husband in August 1966.

While her husband was on active duty, Joan and her family were stationed at various military posts in the United States and West Germany. In 1993, Joan and Hal returned to Meriden, before they moved to Cheshire in 1996.

She was a gracious hostess, an exceptional cook, accomplished gardener, and dedicated caregiver, who loved to read and travel. Her nurturing and loving manner was demonstrated in the constant support and devotion she provided to her career military husband, her two sons, her cherished grandchildren and the family's beloved Bassett Hounds. Joan always demonstrated a selflessness while assisting family, friends and even those she had just met who were in need, while living her life in quiet dignity and grace.

She was active in the church her entire life, including the last 15 years with the First Congregational Church of Cheshire.

Besides her husband of 42 years, Joan is survived by her sons Chris Kevorkian and his wife Antoinette Angotti of Chevy Chase, Maryland and Mike of Indianapolis, Indiana; her sister Susan Fagan and her husband John of Cheshire; her brother-in-law Bob Kevorkian and his wife Dina of Nashua, New Hampshire; her grandchildren Joey and Lily; as well as her three nephews and a niece.

Her family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at the A.R.C.C. and Bradley Memorial Hospital for the excellent care they provided during her illness.

Arrangements - Funeral services will be held on Saturday August 20, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Cheshire, 111 Church Dr. Burial will be held at Arlington Nation Cemetery on September 15th at 10 a.m. Friends who are planning on attending the graveside service are asked to meet no later than 9:15 at the Cemetery Visitor's Center. Calling hours will be held on Friday August 19, 2011 at the Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Cheshire or the Alzheimer's Association of CT, 2075 Silas Dean Hwy., Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.