1937 – 2021
Pomfret – Joan (Marrotte) Serwanski-Rice past into the hands of the Lord on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.
Joan was born on January 31, 1937 in Willimantic, CT, the daughter of Aime and Marie (LaPlante) Marrotte. She worked for Electro Motive Mfg. Co. before she worked at UConn and then moved on to Eastern CT State University where she retired from as the assistant registrar.
She leaves her husband, Albert Rice; her sister, Beverly Smith; four children, Douglas Serwanski, Donna Nichols, Laurie (Robert) Taylor, and Paula (Jay) Lembo; five grandchildren, Caitlin, David Nichols, Jr., Cassandra Nichols-Barrett, Nicole Lembo, and Autumn Lembo; two great grandchildren, Colton Nichols, and Leif Lembo. She was predeceased by two brothers, the late Richard and Robert Marrotte, and two sisters, Evelyn Vegiard, and Lorraine West, and her first husband, the late Eugene Serwanski.
The family would like to thank the nurses at Hospice of North East Connecticut.
Calling hours have been respectively omitted and services will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam, CT. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
David Pelletier
To the Serwanski/Rice and Marrotte families-
On behalf of the Riel and Pelletier family formerly of Chaplin and Woodstock (CT), I extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of your wife, mother and relative, JOAN (MARROTTE) SERWANSKI RICE. Our father/stepfather Patrick Riel (1931-2020) grew up in Willimantic, CT in the South Street neighborhood and was a childhood friend of Joans brothers. Richard and Robert and had fond memories of their old upbringing days as Joan was a few years younger and Pat knew her along with her sisters and parents long ago. As that generation from that neighborhood is fading from our landscape, I saw this online obit and wanted to acknowledge your family during this most difficult time. May Joan’s deeds and service to her family and community be never forgotten. Respectfully submitted-
David Pelletier/Philadelphia, PA
(Stepson of Patrick S Riel/1931-2020)
(Stepgrandson of Patrick J Riel/1898-1981, Lydia (Couchon) Riel/1897-1983)
Susan Heinonen
To Donna and family
So sorry to hear about your mom. Prayers are with you and your family
CATHY JONES
Gary and I are so sorry for your loss of your mother and wife
she was a great lady and loved her family very much
Ingrid Eschholz
Joan was one of the nicest and kindest people I have ever known. We worked together at Eastern Connecticut State University in the Registrars office for many years.
Sending prayers and asking God’s comfort to surround you at this time. Buddy, and all of Joan’s family.
Remembering Joan…..
Ingrid Telefors Eschholz
Jeff Frankiewicz
My deepest condolences to you all, my thoughts and prayers are with you