Obituary of Joanne Kelly Hagopian

Joanne Kelly Hagopian of Vero Beach, FL and Darien, CT passed away at home surrounded by her family on May 30 after a brief illness at the age of 86. Joanne was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Louis Hagopian who passed away earlier this year. Surviving family members include Joanne's three children; Susan, Thomas and Matthew, daughter-in-law Anna, nine grandchildren, siblings Harry Kelly and Mary James and over 40 extended family members. Joanne grew up in Michigan, the oldest of six children of Harry F. Kelly and Anne O'Brien Kelly. Her father was a decorated hero in World War I (awarded the Croix de Guerre medal by France) and later became both Governor of Michigan and a Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Joanne graduated from Michigan State University and married Lou Hagopian, whose successful ad career relocated the family to Darien in 1967. Joanne was known for her love of family, strong intellect and moral compass, passion for the written word, natural grace and taste and ability to make things grow (she became an accomplished landscape architect and owner of Country Gardens). She was active in local charities and on the board of the McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach. As the matriarch of her large family, Joanne created a welcoming environment wherever she was. Her family and friends all looked to her for advice, wisdom and help and were never refused. A beautiful woman inside and out, Joanne's loving, generous spirit will be missed by all who knew her. Services will be held at St Thomas More Church in Darien on June 25 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in Joanne's name to McKee Botanical Garden (www.mckeegarden.org). Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820