Joan Ward Lauterbach passed away on Tuesday May 17, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones. Joan was born on September 1st, 1936 in Norwalk, Connecticut to her parents William and Helen Ward, and despite always wanting a sister was the eldest of three including her two loving brothers James (Jimmy) and John (Johnny) Ward. She was also beloved by her sister-in-laws Jacqueline Lapic and Nancy Ward as well as her cherished nieces and nephews.

Growing up in Westport, she was a graduate of Staples High School where she was known to be "perpetually smiling" and "cute as they come." Joan attended the University of Connecticut and was an executive and legal secretary in New York City as well as various places in Connecticut. She married her beloved husband Philip J. Lauterbach in 1958, and they built their beautiful home on the hill in Redding, Connecticut. Joan raised her three children and countless pets with endless love and was the treasured nana of seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Whether it was days spent at the quarry, hours-long dance recitals, sporting events, or celebrations, Joan was always there for her family with her truly infectious laugh and that enduring smile.

There was never a better listener or a better confidante than Joan. Among many things, she is remembered for hosting many gatherings at her summer beach house in Fairfield where she always had a glass of wine and lively conversation for anyone who passed by.

Joan will be profoundly missed by her husband of 64 years, Phil, her three children Linda Croughwell and her husband Jack Croughwell of Wallingford, CT; Patricia Carroll and her husband Francis W. Carroll, III (Buddy) of Fairfield, CT; and Paul Lauterbach and his wife Carol Lauterbach of Fairfield, CT; her grandchildren Ian Croughwell and his wife Alyson Croughwell; Courtney Carroll and her husband Christopher Frattaroli; Ryan Croughwell; Cassandra Carroll; Kylie Lauterbach; Olivia Lauterbach; and Brett Lauterbach; as well as her great granddaughter Harper Frattaroli, and the many lives she has touched.

Friends are invited to attend a funeral on Wednesday May 25, 2022 at 12 noon meeting directly at St. Patrick Church 169 Black Rock Turnpike, Redding, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105. www.stjude.org Condolences for the Lauterbach family can be left online at boutonfuneralhome.com .