Joyce (Pollard) McConnell

Joyce (Pollard) McConnell, 87, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023. Born in Providence, RI and raised in Greenwich, CT, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Ferber and Margaret (Crane) Pollard. She graduated from Greenwich High School at age 16, completed her undergraduate studies at Brown University in three years, and then received a nursing degree from Cornell University.

She began her career as a floor nurse in New York City, where she resided after her marriage to Lewis (Sandy) Booth McConnell. They moved to Norwalk, CT then ultimately made their home in Wilton, CT. Memorable activities included figure skating, modern dance, and sewing. In Wilton she worked first as a visiting nurse and then a school nurse at Cider Mill School. Ultimately, she rose to the role of President and CEO of the Wilton Visiting Nurse Association (later VNHA), earning her MBA along the way. She devoted 30 years to expanding the scope of services offered in Fairfield County.

Her imaginative flair for design found expression in her gardens and landscaping. With her sister Meredith she created a company (Mini-Minds, Ltd) that portrayed miniature Christmas scenes in shadow boxes. These handmade collectibles were sold at some of the finest stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Tilden Thurber, and New Canaan's The Whitney Shop. Whatever Joyce set her mind to accomplish, she did with success.

In 2003 Joyce and Sandy retired to Brewster, MA on Cape Cod and reunited with friends from across the country. There she renewed her interest in art. For over 15 years, she created award-winning watercolor and acrylic paintings.

After abruptly losing her husband in 2008 to a tick-borne disease, she devoted much of her time to raising awareness of babesiosis on the Cape. Other volunteer efforts included Red Cross blood drives as well as matters of green energy.

Joyce was a determined, intelligent, and gifted woman with exceptional creative talents. She embraced an empathetic perspective towards all and demonstrated genuine and unconditional love for her children and grandchildren.

Predeceased by Sandy by 15 years, she leaves two daughters (S. Meredith McConnell and Sara McConnell), three grandchildren (Mitchell, Augustus, and Jack), and a great-granddaughter (Riley).

Respectfully, services are private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Family Support Center, 2095 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631. https://www.alzfamilysupport.org/

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