Joan Gainty Hopkins

March 26, 1931 - March 12, 2018

Joan Gainty Hopkins passed from a long and full life on Monday, 12 March, 2018. Born on 26 March, 1931 in New Haven to Clement and Edna Gainty, Joan was raised with two wonderful brothers, Donald and Clem Jr. Joan dedicated her life to her family, her home, service to her community, and caring for others. A graduate of Hillhouse High School, Joan was employed by the Yale University Health Department before becoming a Medical Social Services professional, where she worked tirelessly to care for her patients and their families during hospitalization and oftentimes long after discharge. After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Joan retired from professional life as the Director of Medical Social Work at Griffin Hospital in Derby. Joan married Thomas Joseph Hopkins on 30 July, 1960. The couple were loving parents to a daughter, Patricia Conlon and a son, Thomas Gainty. They raised a happy family in North Branford and Hamden. Joan is preceded in death by her husband Thomas and daughter Patricia. Joan will be forever loved and remembered by her son and daughter-in-law Tom and Laura, and her eight grandchildren; Kate, Joan, Mark, Tom, John, Michael, Thomas and Patrick. Happiest when surrounded by family, Joan was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, who opened her home to friends--and sometimes strangers--in need, always had room for one more at the dinner table, and selflessly and lovingly cared for ailing family members. With a resolute spirit, indomitable will, and generous heart, Joan Hopkins played an important role in so many lives. She will be greatly missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday from 4 - 7 p.m. in Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden. In lieu of flowers contributions to Smilow Cancer Center, PO Box 7611, New Haven, CT. 06519-0611. To leave an online condolence please visit www.siskbrothers.com