Joan B. (McGraw) (Caffrey) Stanco, age 77 of Oakville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in the VITAS Unit of Saint Mary’s Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Ted Stanco.
Born on November 4, 1945, in West Hartford, Joan was the daughter of the late George and Helen (Cleary) McGraw. She was a graduate of Conard High School, in West Hartford. Joan worked at Engineered Sinterings and Plastics Inc. and Alves Precision Engineered Products, in Watertown until her retirement in 2010.
Incredibly spiritual, Joan was a parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Church for over 20 years where she served as an usher. Kind, selfless, compassionate, and strong, Joan always maintained a positive attitude during her fight with cancer. She and her dear friend Linda Kevitt were both diagnosed with cancer 30 years ago and have supported each other through their respective journeys. They started a Relay for Life of Greater Waterbury team, “Believe”, in June of 2000. This year they both walked in their 24th event, surrounded by their friends and family, who have all participated during those years. Fighting cancer and raising money for researching a cure has always been especially important to both Joan and Linda.
She enjoyed her neighborhood walks where she talked to all who were outside. She loved Elvis, Chuck Norris, and the Boston Red Sox. However, her family was her world and brought her joy. She recently told her children…. “you kids are the best thing that happened to me.” There is no holiday or accomplishment too small to celebrate, especially with Grandma Joan’s famous brownies. Christmas was her holiday, and singing the twelve days of Christmas before opening gifts was her favorite tradition. Prime rib roast, too many desserts, and scratch-off tickets for all the adults are part of her holiday customs that will be carried on by her family.
Joan leaves behind to remember her with love and laughter, her husband, best friend, and knight in shining armor, Ted Stanco of Oakville; her daughters Mary (Manny) Pereira of Naugatuck, Helen (Dave) Caffrey of Waterbury, Kelley (Robert) Santopietro of Wolcott; her son Shane Caffrey of Norwich; eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and her sister-in-law Mary McGraw of Myrtle Beach, SC. She also leaves her brothers-in-law James Stanco of Wolcott, Kenneth Stanco of Waterbury, and Richard (Patricia) Stanco of Wolcott, and her sisters-in-law Jean Stanco of Waterbury and Jane Stanco of Waterbury as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many friends. She was predeceased by her brothers George, Richard, and Kenneth McGraw.
Joan’s family would like to thank the Saint Mary’s hospital staff and Vitas Team with a special thanks to Stephanie, Diane, and Olga for their exceptional care and kindness, and thank you to the VNA of Watertown, especially Nicole, who was always available day or night for any and all concerns and HLRCC.
Last wellness check….
Calling hours will be on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 10:00 – 12:30pm with a service from 12:30 – 1pm at Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow St. in Waterbury. Burial will be held at a later date and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to: Relay for Life of Greater Waterbury and sent to Mary Pereira, 23 N. Hoadley St., Naugatuck, CT 06770 or to Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, Reflections Boutique, 1075 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, CT 06708. For more information, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave online condolences for the family, please visit www.maioranofuneralhome.com.
