Obituary: JoAnne Carol Lombra Grande, 73, of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT - (From Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home) JoAnne Carol Lombra Grande, 73, of Hamden, passed away suddenly and peacefully on October 25, 2021.

She was born at St. Raphael’s Hospital on May 27, 1948 to Elsie E. Pia Lombra and the late Eugene L. Lombra.

JoAnne is survived by her loving mother Elsie Lombra, her cherished brother Raymond Lombra (Roberta) and family, and her devoted husband of 46 years, George Grande.

JoAnne is also survived by her son Geoffrey Grande, daughter Jaime McAllister-Grande, and grandchildren Eli Grande, Noelle McAllister-Grande, Cleo McAllister-Grande and Eve McAllister-Grande.

A lifelong resident of Hamden, JoAnne attended Hamden Public Schools and received her bachelor and graduate degrees from Southern Connecticut State University. She taught in the Hamden Public School system for 35 years before retiring, and cherished the students who helped make her job a joy.

More than anything, “GrandmaBella” enjoyed the company of family and friends.

She looked forward to gatherings, especially with her grandchildren in Hamden and in Westerly, Rhode Island.

The day before her passing she remarked how lucky she was to have the family and friends she had in her life. To all of them, we say thank you-and play a Neil Diamond song in her honor this week!

Friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, October 28th at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the Bread of Life Parish-Church of the Ascension, 1050 Dunbar Hill Rd., Hamden.

Per JoAnne’s wishes, there will be no calling hours, please meet directly at church. Burial will be private.

If so desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.