Joanna (Cochrane) Wakeman, 78, a resident for 18 years of Stonington, Conn. died Saturday, March 9, the result of an unexpected accident in Mystic, Conn. 

Affectionately known as “Joey” to her family and friends, she was the beloved wife of 35 years to Seth F. Wakeman who also died due to the unexpected accident on March 9. 

Joanna was Born in Walton, province of Nova Scotia, Canada the daughter of the late James and Avis (Rolfe) Cochrane. She moved to the United States in 1946 settling in New London, Conn. Joanna graduated from New London High School, class of 1958.

Joanna had a long and varied career in the health and medicine field. She specialized in private senior caregiving which drew upon her abilities as an emergency medical technician and bookkeeper for Fraser and Schmidt Urology.    

Joanna connected with the outdoors and channeled that inspiration into poetry and art. She delighted in being around people, hosting parties and get-togethers, reading and playing cribbage with Seth. She was passionate about shopping which included browsing through the clearance sections of department stores and sifting through thrift shops. 

Joanna was able to take on an ancesteral role in her family which was robustly rooted in wisdom, peace and humor. She was a devoted mom, confidant and friend to her children. Her love and understanding for her grandchildren knew no bounds.

Joanna is survived by her three sons Michael Losacano of Niantic, Conn., David Losacano of Mystic, Conn., and William Losacano and his wife, Siri, of Norway; three step-sons, Peter Wakeman of Narragansett, R.I., David Wakeman of Noank, and Andrew Wakeman and his wife, Miriam, of San Diego, Calif.; her sister, Patricia Nossek and her husband, John, of Waterford, Conn.; brother, Richard Cochrane and his wife, Donna, of Niantic, Conn.; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Katelyn, Thomas, Loren, Max, Ella and Odin; and one step-granddaughter, Molly. She was predeceased by a brother, George Cochrane and a sister, Donna San Juan.

A joint celebration of Joanna and Seth’s life was be held on March 18 at the Mystic Funeral Home. Funeral services were held March 20 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edgartown.

Please consider a donation in Joanna’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. FL17 Chicago IL 60601 alz.org.