Joan D. Hill, 68, of Madison, died Feb. 11 surrounded by her family. She was born Oct. 15, 1951, in Springfield, Massachusetts, the second daughter of the late Stuart and Maureen Dery of Hamden.

She graduated with a bachelor of arts in English from Southern Connecticut State College in 1972, and a master’s degree in guidance from Southern Connecticut State University in 1983.

She worked as an English teacher at Sheehan High School in Wallingford for 11 years, followed by 27 years at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School in Higganum as a guidance counselor, retiring in 2011. She was a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, following her recovery from a cardiac event in 2000.

She is survived by her husband Chris whom she married in 1974; by her son Gregory and her daughter-in-law Kristina and their daughters Louisa, Georgia, and Beatrice of West Hartford; by her son Eric and her daughter-in-law Melissa and their daughters Avery and Harper of Madison; and by her sister Pamela Ponce de Leon of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Her avocations included participation in a reading club and a bocce club, but her preeminent skill was cooking elaborate, creative, and delicious meals, whether hosting large parties in her home or a weeknight dinner with her husband.

She was a dedicated and loving grandmother to her grandchildren, who adored her and whom she loved beyond measure. Sweet, generous, and understated, she was simply loved by all who knew her.

Visiting hours were held Feb. 14 at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Rd. in Madison, followed by a funeral service at St. Margaret Church at 24 Academy St. in Madison. In lieu of flowers, Joan requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org).