Joan K. (Burgess) Hamilton passed away on Tuesday, October 21 at the age of 77. She showed beauty, grace and strength during her brief illness as she fought the fight. Joan, daughter of late Raymond Burgess and Florence (Baker) Burgess was born August 15, 1937 in Bridgeport, CT. She was a proud graduate of Warren Harding High School Class of 1955 and the University of Bridgeport in 1957 with an A.S. degree in secretarial studies. After her marriage, Joan became a longtime resident of Stratford, CT where she raised her family and made lifelong friendships. She was employed as a claims supervisor with Burger & Burger Insurance, Stratford, CT for 21 years followed by 4 years in Human Resources at Goodwill Industries, Bridgeport, CT. She was an active member of St. Mark's Parish, Stratford, CT where her children attended school and she was secretary of the Home School Association for many years. Upon retiring, Joan relocated to Naugatuck, CT followed by her current residence in Watertown, CT to be near her cherished family. In retirement, she became a parishioner of St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Naugatuck, CT and faithfully watched televised services. In addition to her husband, Frank Hamilton of 56 years, she is survived by her daughter and best friend, Mary McFarland and her husband John of Watertown, CT; her son John Hamilton of Watertown, CT and son Bob Hamilton and his wife Kristen of Kalispell, Montana. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her grandchildren Meghan, Shannon and Kelsey McFarland, Lindsay Hamilton and Sarah and Sam Stern. Joan also leaves a devoted sister, Kathryn (Burgess) McDonald and her husband Robert of Stratford, CT; a niece Kate (McDonald) Jennings and husband Allen of Stratford, CT and grand niece Melissa Simmonds of Stratford, CT. Her granddogs; Fuzzles, OJ and Belle will forever be watching for her visits. Joan's legacy will be her devotion to family. She had an endless love for her granddaughters and biggest joy came from spending time with them and attending their activities over the years. She had a passion for animals, wildlife and keeping her feathered friends of Watertown well fed. Her conversations with her granddaughters and friends would almost always end up about an animal rescue story or endangered wildlife. She was a member and supporter of animal organizations including the CT Humane Society, Animals for Life, North Shore Animal League, and Best Friend's Animal Society. In her final weeks, she spoke how she would be crossing that rainbow bridge to be with her favorite predeceased animal friends including her loyal Harley, Cleo, Betsy, Keisha, Sammy, Oxie and Dancer. Joan was a caring and giving person. She loved to wear anything green that matched her green eyes, having her hair and makeup always coiffed, weekly phone chats with her sister Kathy to catch up, enjoying the simple pleasures of life – ice cream, chocolate and wine and engaging in conversation with all she met on daily errands. She treasured the travel memories she made over the years on tropical cruises, Montana and the national parks of the midwest. She will be deeply missed but her beauty and charisma will forever remain in our hearts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 27th at 10 a.m. in St. Mark's Church 500 Wigwam Lane Stratford. Interment will be private. Friends may call on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. Per Joan's request, in lieu of flowers please make a small monetary tribute gift to the Connecticut Humane Society or Best Friend's Animal Society, Kanab, Utah and perform one small act of random kindness today in her remembrance. Tribute notification c/o Mary McFarland, 113 Sperry Rd, Watertown , CT 06795(mmcfarland411@gmail.com)