Joan Rosa

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Joan (Harkness) Rosa, 85, a long-time resident of Guilford passed away at home surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Rosa was born in New Haven on May 1, 1940, daughter of the late Myron Harkness and Elizabeth King Harkness.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Walter Francis Rosa. She was the mother of Lisa Rosa Bellani and her husband Kenneth of Montville, N.J., Steven Rosa of Guilford, Laura Kump and her husband Richard of Belchertown, MA and Paul Rosa and his wife Ann Salzo of New Haven. Also survived by her grandchildren Steven Bellani, Alex Kump, and Hannah Kump and by her three great-grandchildren Colton, Hudson, and Addison Bellani. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Phyllis Sutnik.

A 1958 graduate of Wilbur Cross High School, Joan spent many years as a homemaker and later in life became a companion and homecare provider, a job she truly loved.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to CT Hospice, Danielle, Glerys, and most especially Rhonda, who provided Joan with the same dignity and loving care that she had provided to her own patients.

Joan adored her family and friends, and truly treasured her role as Mom, Grandma, and Gigi. She gave the best advice, the warmest hugs, and never missed an opportunity to make someone feel special.

Joan was a long-time communicant of St. George Parish. She strongly believed in the power of prayer. Her morning and evening prayers always included a long list of those who were in need of God’s mercy. She was always willing to add another name or need to her long list of intentions.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 4 to 7 pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 10am. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery 400 Christian Street, Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Grace Monastery, 11 Race Hill Road, Guilford, CT 06437; https://www.dominicannuns.org/