Joan Diane Shober Carter, teacher, volunteer, patriot, bridge enthusiast, patron of the arts, and devoted mother of four, passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at the age of 88. Mrs. Carter was a lifelong resident of Greenwich and the only child of Frank William and Helen Barbara King Shober. She was a graduate of Pelham High School, Syracuse University, and Teachers College, Columbia University.
Joan’s teaching career began as an art instructor and evolved into teaching fashion pattern design and sewing at JM Wright Technical School in Stamford. She was a talented seamstress and knitter who enjoyed sharing her skills with others.
Joan was an active member of the community and dedicated her time to numerous local organizations, including the Woman’s Club, American Association of University Women, the National League of Pen Women, American Red Cross, United Way Community Answers, and Neighbor to Neighbor. Joan was a congregant of Christ Church, serving on the Altar Guild, outreach committees, and as a Lay Minister. Joan valued her love of country and fulfilled her patriotic “duty” with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Putnam Hill Chapter and as Connecticut State Regent. She enjoyed recounting historical facts and events with her grandchildren and visitors of all ages as a docent of Putnam Cottage.
Joan had a deep appreciation of music and art and was a lifelong supporter of the Metropolitan Opera, Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, and the Bruce Museum. She proudly attended nearly every school concert in which her children or grandchildren performed or conducted.
Joan was an avid and passionate bridge player, ultimately earning the distinction of Life Master, one of her crowning achievements. If a bridge game could be organized with a gourmet meal, homemade baked desserts, good wine and dancing, Joan would be in her element.
Joan loved the adventure of global travel, exploring music, art, and cultures around the world— whether on safari in Africa, touring European opera houses, on a transatlantic bridge cruise, or acting as a tour guide at renowned museums or ancient ruins sites. At home in Greenwich, she enjoyed the beach, swimming at Tod’s Point and a relaxing sail on the Sound.
With a zest for life and a full social calendar, Joan delighted in the company of her many friends and family, and will be fondly remembered for her dedication to the causes she championed. She is survived by her children William Bloxsom-Carter (Katherine) of Paso Robles, California, Barbara C. Kohn (Ernesto), Geoffrey B. Carter, and James G. Carter, all of Greenwich, and eight grandchildren (Rexford, Nicholas, Christopher, Kimberly, Diane, Thomas, Matthew, Victoria).
A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on May 29, 2021, at Christ Church, Greenwich. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed via the website:
www.christchurchgreenwich.org. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Christ Church Altar Guild: https://onrealm.org/ParishChristChu/-give/now.
Arrangements are being handled by Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home.
