Joanne (Jodi) Coulombe Tong, of Waterford, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Lawerence and Memorial Hospital from complications of a prior illness.
Jodi was born April 25, 1950, in Hartford, CT, the daughter of Lawrence and Jean Coulombe.
She grew up in Niantic and graduated from New London High School in 1968. She went on to be a computer programmer and worked for Travelers Insurance for many years.
Jodi had lived the last 25 years in Waterford, CT where she moved to be closer to family after the death of her husband William Tong, of Manchester, CT.
Jodi was predeceased by her parents and her brother Richard Coulombe. She is survived by her loving sisters Virginia (Donald) Dishaw and Trisha Whelan as well as her brother Edward Coulombe.
She is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews (Kristine, Michael, Marc, Holly, Shawn, Nicole, Eddie, Seth, Brie and Jon) 16 great-nieces and nephews, her cousin Martha Pollak, and dear friends Janice, Bernice and Christina.
Jodi was very creative. She was a talented seamstress who would make clothing for herself and others. She also enjoyed creating personal greeting cards for family and friends. Jodi loved spending time with her family and could always make everyone laugh at family gatherings. She had a love for all animals but kept a special place in her heart for her own dogs and all the family dogs throughout her life.
Jodi was involved in Sound Community Services and participated in the OASIS program. She enjoyed attending activities and functions with her friends. Employees at the OASIS program said she was a “crowd favorite” and always a pleasure to work with.
Thank you to the staff at New London Rehabilitation in Waterford for their support and care of Joanne.
She will be missed dearly by family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at 1p.m. on November 4, 2023, at Flanders Baptist Church, 162 Boston Post Road, East Lyme.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jodi’s memory to Sound Community Services, PO Box 390, New London, 06320 or to Care and Share at 12 Roxbury Road Niantic, 06357