McDonnell, Joyce B. Hope
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Joyce H. (Bonesio) McDonnell, 92, of Hebron, Connecticut, beloved wife of the late Thomas J. McDonnell, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023. Joyce was born in Hartford, CT on February 20, 1931, daughter of the late Michael and Mary Bonesio. Prior to living in Hebron since 2020, Joyce enjoyed living for over 30 years in Eastham, MA. Prior to Cape Cod, Joyce resided in New Britain, CT and Hartford, CT. For many years, Joyce & Tom spent winter months at their home in Vero Beach, FL. She was a 1947 graduate of Bulkeley High School in Hartford, CT
Mom, Gram, Mimi, Nona, enjoyed Point O' Woods beach as a young girl and had many family memories. On the Cape she and Tom loved First Encounter Beach and sunsets at Rock Harbor. Her passion was cooking, but her "hobby" consisted of plastering her kitchen fridge with as many grandkid and family photos as she could ! Her grandchildren and great grands brought her many years of enjoyment and pride. "Bibs" was always quick to hand out homemade cookies and treats or invite you over for a meal. If you needed something, she found a way to get it to you.
Joyce is survived by her sister Faith Stapleton of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, two sons; Tim McDonnell of Aliso Viejo, CA; Kevin McDonnell, and his wife Gail, of Hebron, CT; one daughter Marylou Bengston and her husband Steve of Brewster, MA. She is also survived by 7 special grandchildren and their partners: Michael McDonnell and partner Alise Benzie of Woodbridge, VA; Eric McDonnell and fiance' Aria Paxton of Dillon, CO; Laura McDonnell and partner Chris Wazer of Hebron, CT; Kevin McDonnell and wife Annie of Lebanon, CT; Nicholas Bengston of Brewster, MA; Dylan Bengston and wife Remy of Norfolk, VA; and Sawyer Bengston of Brewster, MA. Also, 3 beloved great-grandchildren: Nari and Noah Bengston and Grayson McDonnell. Joyce was predeceased by a wonderful daughter-in-law Jane McDonnell.
The family would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to the staff at Colebrook Village Assisted Living in Hebron, CT for their attentive care of Joyce since she became a resident and particularly since early March of this year.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel - 277 Folly Brook Boulevard - Wethersfield, CT. A reception will follow at Indian Hill Country Club - 111 Golf St. - Newington, CT, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospitals at: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/giving, or plant a tree or shrub in Joyce's memory.
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