Joan Berthiaume Killion of Branford died March 7 at Yale-New Haven Hospital following a brief illness. She was 88. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, William; sons Mark of Branford and Paul of Bristol, Rhode Island; and daughter Sarah of Amherst, Massachusetts. She also leaves grandchildren Liam, Caitlin, Isabella, Hannah, Eliza, and Gabriel.

Joan was born in Bristol, Connecticut, on Aug. 12, 1930, coming to the New Haven area as a teenager. She received a BFA from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania, in 1951 and worked in art and printmaking her entire life. In the 70’s and 80’s, she taught drawing and painting at Albertus Magnus College. Joan and Bill traveled throughout the US and Europe, visiting family who live around the globe. She truly enjoyed staying at the family cottage on Plum Island, Massachusetts, UConn basketball, and all activities of her grandchildren.

Friends called March 8 at W.S. Clancy Funeral Home (244 N. Main St., Branford). A memorial service was held March 9 at Trinity Episcopal Church (1109 Main St., Branford). A private burial followed. Meme, we should be so lucky as to ever live a life like yours and will miss you profoundly, always.