Joan Carolyn Kauttu
NORTH CANAAN — Joan Carolyn Kauttu, PhD, daughter of Carl and Edna Kauttu, was raised in North Canaan, where her father owned a local pharmacy. She died at her family home on Bragg Street at 80 years of age.
Having attended Canaan Central School and two years at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Joan graduated from the Mary A. Burnham School for girls in Northampton, Mass. She received her bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and a doctorate in Biological Science from the University of California, San Francisco, where she was recognized as a Regents Fellow.
Joan taught anatomy to medical school students, but then spent a number of years helping her husband run a resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
After a divorce, Joan returned to North Canaan to care for both her parents and her Aunt Marion Parish.
Joan was known throughout life for two qualities above all others: her sense of humor and her desire to help wherever needed. Those who were lucky enough to call her a friend knew those qualities well.
Her burial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at the family plot in the Village Cemetery in Collinsville, Conn., with the Rev. Canon Lance Beizer officiating.
Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home in North Canaan.
