Obituary of Joan Denney

Joan Michaels Denney died suddenly on Thursday, October 22, 2009, at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 73 years old and a resident of Cheshire, CT for the past 45 years. She was born in New Haven, CT on August 28, 1936 to Howard I. and Charity S. Michaels and graduated from Hillhouse High School and Connecticut College. Joan went on to work in a variety of fields, from education to career and student counseling, most notably as the longtime Dean of Residential Life and Counseling at Cheshire Academy, where she inspired many students, teachers and staff members. Regularly recognized through the years for her commitment to town beautification, theater and helping to build strong foundations for young people, Joan was an extremely active volunteer. Most recently, she became involved in the local arts community and continued to teach English as a Second Language to adult students. Joan celebrated a life of bright colors, close family, treasured friendships, travel, gardening, painting and teaching, and favorite traditions that included May Day baskets, summertime in Maine, Il Divo concerts, her grandchildren's sporting events, homemade brownies and one beloved and well-worn chicken costume. Joan is survived by her three children, Deborah and her husband Jack Lynch of Wayne, PA, Mark Denney and his wife Wendy Friend of Medfield, MA and Kimberly and her husband Ric Teves of Marion, MA. She is also survived by her seven cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Cady, John, Ryan, Sam, Tucker and Rachel and her bonus granddaughter, Samantha Teves, her sisters Cynthia Jensen of Cheshire and Kathy Bader of Homosassa, FL, and seven nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Martha McCreight. A life celebration will take place on Monday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m., at Cheshire Lutheran Church. A reception will follow in The Blue Room at Cheshire Academy. Calling hours are 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, at Slater Funeral Home in Cheshire 242 S. Main St. Cheshire. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you celebrate Joan with a donation to the Life is good Kids Foundation, to support a special fund that will bring creativity, play and joy to children facing unfair challenges.