Joan E. Barnett

Joan E. Barnett, 73, of Punta Gorda passed away July 15, 2009. She was the daughter of Allen and Margaret (Marooney) Helfant, born April 18, 1936 in Norwalk, CT. She was a graduate of Norwalk High School class of 1954, attended College of New Rochelle, and graduated from Catherine Gibbs in NYC. Joan worked as an executive secretary for John Kellam Assoc. Estate Planning in New Canaan, CT for 25 years. She came to Punta Gorda in April of 2000. An active part of her community, Joan was involved in fund raising for catholic schools in the Norwalk area, and served on the Board of Directors for St. Jerome's School and Central Catholic High School. She was a 40 year member of Shore & Country Club in Norwalk, and Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club and Punta Gorda Boat Club locally. She will be greatly missed by her husband, William; daughter, Sharon Barnett of Punta Gorda; sons, Michael Barnett of Wilton, CT and Kevin Barnett of Baltimore, MD ; grandsons, Michael, Christopher and Kyle Barnett all of Wilton, CT; granddaughter, Sarah Barnett of Baltimore, MD; nephew, Richard Albertelli of Easton, CT; nieces, Tracey Johnson of Guilford, CT and Debra Bondi of Trumbull, CT; sister-in-law, Inslee Barnett; 4 grandnephews and 5 grandnieces. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marjorie Albertelli. A memorial mass will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, September 17, 2009 at St. Matthews Church in Norwalk, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made for brain tumor research to the American Cancer Society, 992 Tamiami Trail, Unit C-2, Port Charlotte, FL 33953. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book.