Joan L. Shay

Joan L. (Brereton) Shay, age 85, of Orange, CT, passed away on the evening of Sunday July 9th, 2017 at Yale New Haven Hospital after spending her final moments with her family. Joan was the widow of Atty. Edward N. “Ted” Shay. Born in New Haven on July 20, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Howard & Lillian (Mitchell) Brereton. She is survived by her son Edward M. “Ted” Shay & his wife Sybil of Guilford; her grandchildren Michael N. Shay, Alexandra J. Shay & Edward N. “Teddy” Shay; her sister Roberta Brereton of Hamden and her sister in-law Gloria Brereton of Hamden; and many nieces and nephews spanning three generations. Joan was predeceased by her sister Margaret Mary Cronan, her brothers Donald Brereton & Howard R. Brereton, and sister-in-law Nancy Brereton. Joan spent her youth growing up on Shoreham Road in Morris Cove. Joan graduated Hillhouse High School and shortly thereafter married her beloved husband Ted Shay. Joan and Ted summered in East Haven where they enjoyed the company of friends and family, often collecting sea glass, walking the family dog, and enjoying happy hour on the porch. Joan’s passion could be summed up simply, her duty to family. She was a loving mother and grandmother, caring sister, and everyone’s “Aunt Joan”. Friends and family alike are left with fond memories of her endless generosity and her graciousness as a host. Friends may attend her funeral on Friday, July 14, 2017 at 9:00 am from Beecher & Bennett- Taylor Funeral Home, 410 Campbell Ave, West Haven, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 am in Holy Infant Church, Racebrook Rd, Orange. Friends may also visit with her family on Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Beaverdale Memorial Park, Hamden. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Camp Rising Sun. “And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.” -An Old Irish Blessing.