With profound sadness and endless love, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Joan Audrey Ettinger, at the age of 92 in Jupiter, Florida. While our hearts are heavy with loss, we are forever grateful for the extraordinary life she lived and the boundless love she shared so generously with her family and friends.

Joan was born on April 15, 1934, in Schenectady, New York, to the late Mildred and Chester Korniak. As the eldest of six children, with nearly twenty-five years spanning siblings, Joan became a nurturing presence and a source of strength, guidance, and love throughout her life.

Joan was predeceased by her devoted husband and lifelong love, Richard Wayne Ettinger. Together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family. They made their home in New Canaan, Connecticut, where they lovingly raised their three children: Jill Diamond, Laurie Conner (Jamie), and Richard Ettinger (Margie).

Joan was the proud and loving grandmother of Rebecca Borys (Edward), Justin Conner (Claire), Brittany Conner (Kevin), Maggie Ettinger, Richard Ettinger III, Audrey Ettinger, Philip Ettinger, and Michael Ettinger. She also treasured her great-grandchildren Connor, Harrison, Talon, Hallie, and Lilith, who brought her immeasurable joy.

She is survived by her cherished siblings: Chester Korniak (Georgiana) of Sewickley, Pennsylvania; Jennene Halder of New Bern, North Carolina; Joyce Edwards (Keith) of Schenectady, New York; John Korniak (Kathy) of Schenectady, New York; and Janice DiAngelo (the late Anthony) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Joan graduated from Draper High School in Schenectady in 1952 and later began working as a secretary at General Electric, where she met Richard, the man who would become her husband, partner, and greatest love.

To know Joan was to experience kindness, grace, warmth, and unconditional love. She was a deeply cherished wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose gentle spirit touched everyone around her. Joan had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her radiant smile could light up a room, and her comforting words left lasting impressions on all who knew her.

Joan carried joy wherever she went. She loved music, dancing, and was especially known for tap dancing through her kitchen with her grandchildren while humming cheerful tunes. Some of her family’s most treasured memories are of quiet afternoons spent together in the gazebo, sharing lemonade and iced tea, listening to her stories, and simply enjoying the warmth of her presence.

She found beauty in everyday life. Joan loved gardening and took great pride in creating a home filled with elegance, comfort, and natural beauty. Later in life, she owned and operated the Portobello Gift Shop in New Canaan, where she delighted in discovering unique treasures in New York City.

Joan also embraced adventure and treasured time spent with family. She loved skiing in Vermont and proudly skied the trails of Vail Mountain in Colorado well into her later years, especially her favorite trail, “Lost Boy.” Family trips to The Greenbrier became cherished traditions filled with laughter, togetherness, and unforgettable memories. She often fondly recalled the winning putt she made alongside her husband to secure a golf tournament victory, a memory that always brought her joy.

Above all else, Joan’s greatest gift was the love she gave so selflessly to her family. She lived her life with compassion, strength, generosity, and quiet elegance. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and all who were blessed to know and love her.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held close in our hearts.

The family extends a heartfelt and special thank you to Joan’s devoted caregiver of seven years, Agnes Akuoko, for her unwavering love, compassion, and care.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan, Connecticut.

A Christian Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 18, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, 21 Cherry Street, New Canaan, Connecticut, followed by a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the New Canaan Land Trust.