Obituary of Joy Erin Winterhalder
Dr. Joy Erin Winterhalder, age 59, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 16, 1959, in Bridgeport, to James and Joyce (Lundgren) McDonald.
Dr. Winterhalder graduated in only three years from Trumbull High School in 1977, received a BS in Criminal Justice/Forensic Science from The University of New Haven in 1981, a Master’s Degree in Public Health/Public Health Administration from Southern Connecticut State University in 1996, and most recently, a PhD in Education Technology from Walden University in 2016.
Her brilliance and passion for education brought her great success in her career as a health teacher for over 25 years with Long River Middle School in Prospect. In addition, she taught at St. Francis – St. Hedwig School of Naugatuck, with Naugatuck Public Schools, Troop Middle School in New Haven, and at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven. She enjoyed being active – played Tennis and Softball for the University of New Haven, played recreational tennis and soccer for the town of Prospect, and coached men’s tennis for both Sacred Heart High School and Woodland Regional High School.
Joy is survived by her four children – Bryan Winterhalder, Meghan Winterhalder, Kelly Valderrama, and Carly Winterhalder – daughter-in-law, Megan Winterhalder, son-in-law Renato Valderrama, as well as six grandchildren that she adored – Mikayla Winterhalder-Lanzara, Bryan Winterhalder Jr., Jaxon Winterhalder-Lanzara, Eli Valderrama, Vivian Valderrama, and Jenna Valderrama.
She is also survived by her mother Joyce McDonald, sisters Jacquelyn (Carl) Wolf, Jill (William) Collins, Jennifer (Kelly) McGray, brother James McDonald Jr., several nieces and nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
She was predeceased by her father, James McDonald Sr., and her niece, Kimberly McDonald.
Her family is grateful to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Yale New Haven Hospital for their compassionate care. She was truly loved and will be missed dearly.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday October 18, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Road, Prospect. Everyone is asked to please meet directly at the Church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Prospect Memorial Funeral Home.
Memorial donations can be directed to Donate Life Connecticut, https://www.ctorganandtissuedonation.org/
