Joan (Sankey) Rek

Our mom, Joan Rek 84,of Prospect passed away December 6, 2024 at Midstate Medical Center with her loved ones by her side.  Joan died of complications from pneumonia and a broken heart, eleven days after the death of her beloved husband of 65 years, Eugene Rek.

Joan was born December 8, 1939, the daughter of Maude (Hill) and Frederick Sankey.  She grew up in Prospect, attended school there, and remained a life-long resident.  Joan graduated from Wilby High School in Waterbury.  Before becoming a mom, Joan worked at SNET in Waterbury.  Later in life, she returned to work at Foam Plastics of New England in Prospect.  Joan and Gene enjoyed travelling and spent their winters at their home in Hernando, Florida.  Their love of travel brought them across the United States and into Europe.  Joan loved family get-togethers, traditionally making spaghetti and meatballs for everyone.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren who she adored.  

Joan leaves to cherish her love and memory, her children, Susan (Ron) Turmel, Laurie (Jake) Jacobsen, Eugene (Laurie) Rek Jr., her grandchildren, Ron (Mary) Turmel, Amanda (Kevin) Maher, JP (Lindsey) Jacobsen,  Paul (Megan) Jacobsen, Kimberly (Ben) Thompson, and Ashley Rek, her great grandchildren, Liam Maher, Remington and Ryder Turmel, Logan and Eloise Jacobsen, Peyton and Cristian Jacobsen, Matthew and Luke Thompson. She also leaves her sister, Carol Mandell, her brother-in-law Ed Rek (Lori), sister-in-law Letty Rek all of Prospect. She also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Elaine Griffin and infant grandson, Paul Eugene Jacobsen.

Joan was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses in Naugatuck.

 Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to assist the Rek family during their time of grief.  Please visit prospectmemorial.com to share your memories, photos and condolences.   

Their children would like to invite you to a luncheon celebration of the lives of Joan and Gene. Meet us on Saturday, January 11th, from 12pm to 4 pm at the Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry Street in Plantsville, CT 06479.

Donations may be made in memory of our parents, Joan and Gene Rek, to the Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect, PO Box 7001, Prospect, CT  06712.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan (Sankey) Rek, please visit our floral store.