Joy Ann Chavent

Joy Ann Chavent, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at Brookdale of Woodbridge in the arms of her daughter and son- in- law. Born on 11/12/1928 to the late Mabel and William (Bill) Rollka, she is remembered as a caring and committed mother and grandmother, living in six houses and eight states while raising an active family. Originally from Teaneck, NJ, she grew up with first cousin, Barbara (Bobbie) Rollka Weeks, who introduced her to dashing Anthony (Tony) P. Chavent whom she married. Joy enjoyed great times with Tony's nephew Richard (Richie) Pink of Eastchester, NY. Joy graduated (BA-Biology-'50) from Hood College, Frederick, MD. Joy Ann and Tony, (chemical engineer '50 Princeton University) moved to Atlanta, Georgia where daughter Georgia Ann was born, New Orleans (rode Mardi Gras floats), Cincinnati Ohio (son Bill was born) and then to Barrington, RI. Joy Ann and Tony enjoyed an active social life including community theatre sharing roles in Oklahoma, Kiss Me Kate and Carousel. Joy Ann was a Girl Scout leader and introduced her children to skiing, summer swim teams, tennis and sailing. Her family traveled across the United States, Canada, Bermuda and Europe with ski trips to New England and Colorado. Joy Ann returned to New Jersey in the early 70's, living in Chatham for over 35 years. She was Assistant Director of Admissions, Drew University and concierge at Madison Hotel. She was active in the Women's Club of Chatham, President of the Northern New Jersey Hood Club and a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. She enjoyed years of companionship with the late Frank Desmond and family (Summit, NJ) and holidays with cousin Bobbie, husband Ted, and their daughters, Kathleen, Kristy, Laurie and Leslie and families (Mountainside, NJ). Grandma Joy enjoyed visits to son, Bill, and daughter-in-law, Mary (Missy) R. Chavent, Richmond, Virginia and granddaughter, Ann Sebrell (Annie) Chavent (Raleigh, NC). Joy Ann and devoted daughter, Georgia Chavent Morgan enjoyed wonderful memories and trips together. Joy appreciated handy man son-in-law, James (Jim) Morgan, MD, and time with grandsons Richard and Eliott Morgan (Woodbridge, CT). Favorite trips with grandchildren include Disney World, Ocean City, NJ, Broadway plays and her 80th birthday celebration in Virginia Beach. Joy Ann moved to Emeritus, now Brookdale, of Woodbridge in 2009 and enjoyed happy times with resident, Sid Sobel and family. Joy Ann's family is grateful for the care provided by her nurses and aides at Brookdale. Friends may visit with her family at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT on Wednesday, December 16th between 6-8 PM. Interment will be private in Easton, PA. All are invited to attend a celebration of her life which will occur on Saturday, January 2nd, 11:00 AM in the First Church of Christ, 5 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge, CT. Donations can be made in her name to: Hood College Fund, 401 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, Maryland. 21701.