OLD LYME — Joan S. “Joanie” Bonvicin passed away at her home surrounded by her family Oct. 16, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born Sept. 1, 1939, in New London to Ellsworth “Babe” Green and his wife Kathryn “Kitty.”
She leaves behind her husband Louis “Lou;” her son Rick and his wife Debbie; daughter Suzi McCormack and her husband Tom; and greatly loved grandchildren. Bailey Steele and his wife Lauren and Kristen Steele. She is also survived by her brother Donnie and his wife Cindy; and much-loved nieces, Melissa Seckla, her husband Tim and children, Maddie and Chris, and Heather Green, her fiancée Tommy and her daughter Delana. She was sadly predeceased by her brother Larry Green.
After working as a legal secretary, then for the Building and Zoning Inspectors of Old Lyme, she realized her true place and calling when she became the secretary for the Middle School of Lyme-Old Lyme. She was beloved and treasured by all the students and parents who met her and were greeted by her smile and experienced her kindness. Her love of holidays and candy dishes was legendary. Parents gave her notes and lunches for delivery. Students who had forgotten field trip or lunch money were always given what they needed by “Mrs. Bonvicin.” As the face and the heart of the Middle School, her reach was wide; she formed treasured friendships with custodians, teachers and other administrative folks which lasted beyond her reluctant retirement after 44 years.
Her next adventure brought her to the Lymes’ Senior Center as a volunteer for whatever needed to be done including one of her strengths: writing and sending birthday cards. She never forgot a birthday and always sent cards. More friendships were formed at the Senior Center, although she never stopped missing the Middle School and the kids.
A celebration of her life will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday Oct. 26, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 2 Ferry Road. A reception will follow in the adjacent fellowship hall. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes and directions.
A scholarship is being established in her name for students exhibiting her character and qualities, and donations may be made to the “Mrs. Bonvicin (Joanie) Scholarship Fund” on GoFundMe.com (https://gofund.me/49f5d96e).
Joanie Bonvicin was a fixture in the life of my family for many years. She was unfailingly kind and professional, and went out of her way to serve the students and staff of LOLMS every day. Godspeed, Joanie! You had your wings before you left this earth. Condolences to her family, Susan Fogliano
I had 4 children that went through LOLMS and I will never forget her smiling face and kind words when I would drop off a forgotten lunch or instrument for band class. She was so friendly and warm – she will be remembered by families all over Lyme and Old Lyme. Rest her soul.
She touched so many lives; always a pleasure to see. She would brighten everyone’s day
I am so sorry to hear of her passing . My regrets to the Family .
Joanie was the calm in the storm at the middle school office when an administrative or student crisis developed, her empathy and quiet demeanor would help to lower the temperature of the situation.
Joanie always had a warm smile and friendly disposition.
She brightened both of my daughters days at LOLMS-they have fond memories of Joanie.
Sorry to her family-she was very special.
We are very sorry to hear of Joanie”s passing. She will always be fondly remembered by our family as a sweet and always caring person in Middle School and in Old Lyme. She long ago earned her place in Heaven,
Joanie is certainly an Old Lyme icon. Always a friendly hello and she remembered your name. Our paths crossed for many years in Old Lyme and she touched the lives of many of us that lived and worked there. My condolences to her wonderful family.
Joan
Was often the first friendly place we encountered when going into the school. She always followed my sons racing career and whenever I saw her she allows inquired as to how all the kids were doing. She was a fellow volunteer with myself at the Bookcellar and myself and my family will miss her. Sincere condolences to her family she was a very special woman whose light touched everyone she met.
In the 1980s, I was honored to be a 7th grade “office assistant” at LOLMS. Mrs. Bonvicin was kind, caring, and an adult worthy of trust. At the end of my stint, she gave all of us OA’s a beautiful ceramic star Christmas ornament; she had made them herself. I continue to adorn my tree with this lovely gift, and the kindness it embodies, about 40 years later.