Joan T. Kerkin

Joan T. (Taft) Kerkin, 90, of Tolland, CT passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her parents Robert Taft and Carolyn (Snell) Hoxter; two brothers Robert Taft and Ronald Taft and his wife Lee; and niece Robyn (Taft) Reilly, as well as many other loving family members. She was born on February 11, 1935 in Manchester, CT and met the love of her life, Al Kerkin, during Labor Day week of 1949. They were married on September 4, 1954. She began her career working as a secretary at The Envelope Factory in Vernon, CT before working at UCONN for a brief time. She then decided to move to her most important job, staying home to raise their daughters. To Joan the concept of family was very important, and she was always involved with her children and grandchildren. After her children grew up, she went back to work at UCONN. She retired as an executive secretary in the President’s office. She retired early when her first grandchild arrived so she could help take care of him and the three that were to follow. She was also a devout member of St Matthew Church of Tolland. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Albert J. Kerkin Jr.; two daughters, Carole Kerkin and Lisa Kerkin-Bundy and her husband John “Kevin” Bundy; four grandchildren, Patrick Bundy and his wife Gina, Paige Bundy, Samuel Sipala, and Zachary Sipala and his wife Tien; brother James Taft and his wife Georgia; sister Donna Taft; sisters-in-law Patricia (Kerkin) White and her husband Wallace, Joan M. Kerkin, and Nora Taft and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main Street, Stafford Springs, CT. Her funeral will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St Matthew Church, 111 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT. Burial will follow the Mass at St Bernard Cemetery, Rockville, CT. Memorial donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Matthew Church, 111 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT 06084; St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Boys Town National Research Hospital, PO Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010. To leave a message of sympathy for her family or for directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com