Joan P. Wiencek, 83, of Danbury, wife of Raymond E. Wiencek, died peacefully on February 16, surrounded by her loving family at her home. She was born in Danbury, April 29, 1933, a daughter of Catherine (Deakin) and John Gallagher.

In addition to her husband of 60 years, her children and their spouses, Diane and Sherman Nutter of Newtown, David and Paula Wiencek of Norwich, Mary Casazza of Woodbury, and Eileen and Anthony Bellantoni of Bethel; her sister, Marie Krizan of Danbury; her nine grandchildren, Tyler, Jacob, and Evan Wiencek, Michael and Andrew Casazza, Brian and Amanda Nutter, and Megan and Matthew Bellantoni; as well as several nieces and nephews survive her. In addition to her parents, Mrs Wiencek's two sisters, Catherine Gallagher Lathrop and Rita Gallagher Talarico, predeceased her.

Mrs Wiencek graduated with honors from St Peter School, Danbury High School (Class of 1951), and the former Danbury State Teachers College, now Western Connecticut State University. She was an educator in the Danbury Public School system; she first taught at Morris Street School and then for 30 years at King Street Elementary School, retiring in 1995.

She married Raymond in 1957 in St Peter Church, Danbury. A lifelong area resident, Mrs Wiencek was a member of the Connecticut Teachers Association, Council of Catholic Women, and St Joseph Parish, where she was a member of the Rosary Makers Group and the Carmelite Third Order.

She enjoyed needlework, crocheting, painting, and was a voracious reader.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 21, at 10 am, in St Joseph Church, 8 Robinson Avenue, Danbury. Burial will follow in St Peter Cemetery, Danbury.

The family will receive friends in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Avenue, Danbury, on Monday, February 20, from 4 to 7 pm.

Contributions in Mrs Wiencek's memory may be made to Masonicare, Home Health and Hospice, 535 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 101, Norwalk CT 06854.