Joan (Robison) Astle

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected, yet peaceful passing of Joan R. Astle on Thursday, February 2, 2023 in Orange CT at the age of 92.

Joan is survived by her three children, Dick of Chicago IL, Ed (Alice) of Swanzey NH and Diane (Andy) of New York NY; her four grandchildren, Sarah, Samantha, Dylan and Lea; her half brothers, John (Peggy) of State College PA, Terry (Mandy) of Avon Lake OH; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband of 69 years, Tom (2021); and parents D. Ronald L. Robison, and Elizabeth C. Moore.

Joan was born in Bellefonte PA and grew up in State College on the edge of the Penn State campus where her father was a dentist and mother was a campaigner for the American Cancer Society. Joan went to Carnegie Institute of Technology (Carnegie Mellon University) where she was enrolled in the School of Architecture and a proud member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. Her class was the first-time women were allowed to take engineering courses at Carnegie Tech. It wasn't easy being the only girl in a class full of boys, they once put a dead mouse in her drafting table drawer hoping to intimidate her (it did not). After completing her fourth year of a five-year program, a summer visit to Tom's hometown in Kansas ended with an impromptu wedding and put her degree on hold. The following day, Tom entered into active service for the Korean War.

Joan lived in Sacramento CA during Tom’s time overseas and worked as an apprentice draftsperson for an architect as well as a key punch operator for Army Corps of Civil Engineers. Their plan for Joan to complete her degree, and for Tom to enter graduate school upon his return, was eclipsed by the birth of their first son. Their tiny trailer home, which moved from Cleveland to Buffalo, became too tiny after the birth of their second son and so they moved the family into their first house in Rochester NY. After the arrival of their daughter and a work transfer, Joan fulfilled an architect’s dream by designing both the furniture and the home they lived in for the next 58 years in Orange CT.

Together Tom and Joan created artwork in their basement kilns and sold at juried art shows in the New York Finger Lakes and Connecticut areas. They also created and ran a successful business (Astec initially, then Tomtec) in the biomedical instrument field, held dozens of patents, received small business awards, traveled and made friends from all over the world.

Joan had a creative talent and learned to paint, weave, knit, sew and anything else she could find a class in. She was a passionate reader, loved to play tennis, golf and even at age 89 was playing Pickleball with women 20 years younger than her. Joan was also an active member of her community. She was a graduate of the Citizen's Police Academy and a 2008 member of the Senior Community Leadership program, run through the Orange Police Department. Her team created a resource directory to help Seniors stay in their homes and is still in use today.

Joan and Tom were early members of the Paugusset Club where they added more life-long friends. Joan and her tennis partners often won the club tournaments. Tom and Joan were also impressive jitterbug dancers and were fun to watch as they took over the floor. They loved hosting many dinner and social parties at their home with a wide variety of friends of all ages. Their annual Christmas card was mailed to over 200 people at times. Connection to friends and family was always important to Joan and Tom.

Joan's curiosity and cheerful nature made her easy to talk with, even if it was as brief as standing in a line. Her kindness was always felt and will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, please be kind to someone, even a stranger. Call a friend or relative you haven't spoken with in a while. Forgive someone. And if desired, donations can be made to the Orange Police Department or the Orange Volunteer Fire Department. All acts of kindness are appreciated.

Friends and Family are invited to gather on Saturday May 13, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A sharing of Memories will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. Interment will be private. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

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