Joanne Polonetz Stefkovich, 72, passed away on June 17, 2026 with her loving family by her side.

Joanne Polonetz Stefkovich, 72, passed away on June 17, 2026 at Bridgeport Hospital with her loving family by her side. Joanne was born on October 3, 1953 in Stamford, CT to the late John and Rita Polonetz. She was the beloved wife of Stephen J. Stefkovich.

Joanne was an intelligent and compassionate woman whose strong work ethic informed every aspect of her life. After earning a B.S. degree in Food Science from Marywood College, she went on to work as head nutritionist at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. She also studied at Yale further enhancing her background in nutrition. When Joanne’s career interest shifted to business she worked for Donnely Marketing while earning her MBA from University of Connecticut at night. She later worked for Grolier and PerkinElmer as catalog manager. As she raised her family Joanne found fulfillment as a paraprofessional supporting special education students in the Westport Public School system. Most recently, she served the students and community of St. Mary School and Church in Bethel. Joanne faced her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis with remarkable courage, grace, and resilience, inspiring those around her with her strength and determination.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joanne found great joy in her family and had an unwavering faith in the Lord. She was a talented cook who loved sharing meals with those she loved. Creative by nature, she enjoyed drawing, taught herself to paint, and spent many happy hours crafting alongside her daughter, Victoria. She also cherished time spent boating and enjoying the water with her husband Stephen and son Alex. Some of her most treasured memories were made during family vacations to Cape Cod gathering at her family's home and creating lasting memories with those she loved.

In addition to her husband Stephen, Joanne is survived by their son Alex Stefkovich, wife Shannon and their son James; daughter Victoria Stefkovich; Sisters: Cathy Robustelli and husband John, Barbara

Leonard and husband Fred. Brothers-In-Law: Dan Stefkovich and wife Patti, Nick Stefkovich and wife Lisa). Eight nieces and nephews: Maggie, Charlie, Danielle, Krista, Tyler, Daniel “DJ”, Adam, and Toli. As well as many additional beloved family and friends. Joanne is predeceased by her sister-in-law Donna Stefkovich.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday July 17 2026 9:50 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 178 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s/Putnam Cemetery on 35 Parsonage Road, Greenwich, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ECAD, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dog training service for veterans and civilians with disabilities. ecad1.org

To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.