Joan A. Mcguigan

Joan Ann (Collins) McGuigan age 76, entered into eternal rest peacefully on Friday, February 18, 2022.  God called her home to be reunited with her husband of 53 years, Austin J. McGuigan and their beautiful daughter, Mary Erin Parker.

Joan was born in Medford, MA to Jeremiah and Evelyn Mae Collins.  In Medford, she met and fell in love with her husband Austin at a donut shop.  After marrying her sweetheart, Joan and Austin moved to New Britain where they raised their family.  During her 25 years in New Britain, Joan became an active member in many organizations and the community.  Joan was a member of the New Britain Junior League, and the Welcome Wagon to name a few.  Joan also volunteered and helped many organizations with fundraising especially New Britain General Hospital, the Klingberg Center, and the Prudence Crandall Center.  Joan was a travel agent in addition to her involvement in the community.

Later on, Joan and Austin moved to Columbia, CT where they made their home.  Joan jumped right into the community and became a member of Altrusa, the Windham Hospital, and the Jorgensen Committee.

Joan was a gracious hostess and she and Austin would have grand parties to celebrate Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day and any other holiday in between. She loved so many things, traveling, singing, dancing, and had a special love for her family especially her grandchildren.  Most importantly, she cherished her evening boat rides on Columbia Lake with her husband and best friend, Austin.  Together they will be remembered.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Kerry Hoffman; her son, Austin Ryan McGuigan; two son in laws, Joshua Hoffman and Leland Parker; one daughter in law, Claudia McGuigan; two brothers, Richard Collins and his wife Christine of Ipswich, MA and Charles Collins and his wife Elizabeth of Portsmouth, NH; and one sister in law, Patricia McGuigan Quinn.  She also leaves behind her nine grandchildren who were the love and joy of her life; Teddy, Lindsey, Elena, Caterina, Alexandra, James, Eibhlin, Maibel, and Emilia.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 24 ^th from 4 PM to 7 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 South Main St., New Britain.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Feb. 25 ^th at 10 AM at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic Church, 285 Church St, Hartford.  Please go directly to the church. Parking is available across the street from the church.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Road, Unit 3104, Storrs, CT 06268.  Contributions may be made payable to Jorgensen Director’s Fund.