Joan Ann Cole Fernandes Hanssler, 83 of Greenwich, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2017.

Born in Port Chester on August 5, 1933, she was the daughter of Ernest and Lillian Cole. She grew up in Rye and graduated from Rye High School.

She began her administrative career at Empire Brush Works in Port Chester, then worked for many years at Avon in Rye. In 1996, she retired from Direct Media in Greenwich.

Known for her dedication to her work and caring ways, Joan had a way of noticing and connecting with you, whether she saw you every day or just now and then, with a kind word or inquiry about you, your family, your dog or cat. While work filled her days, family filled her life.

Fun to be around and generous in nature, she and her husband Bill enjoyed their extended families and friends, traveling, and dining out. She possessed a love for all animals and always had a special dog in her life.

She had a very close relationship with her children, JoAnn and Jeffrey, and welcomed their friends any time of day or night. She was thrilled when the grandchildren came along and her family grew. She was a natural grandmother who loved spending time with — and slightly spoiling — Jen, Bobby, Jeffrey, and Holly. They enjoyed seeing one another often and have wonderful memories. “She was strong when necessary and accomplished what eludes so many of us – a joy for life and a close-knit family,” noted her family.

Mrs. Hanssler is survived by her daughter, JoAnn Rispoli, and son, Jeffery Fernandes; four grandchildren: Jennifer (Nick) Crane, Robert (Norma) Rispoli, and Jeffrey and Holly Fernandes; her sisters, Diane (Kenneth) Dahlgren and Maureen (Sal) Rosa and half-sister, Lillian Ambrosino; and many nieces and nephews.

William Hanssler, her husband of 34 years, passed away the day before her death. She was predeceased by her half-sister, Hazel Bradbury, and her son-in-law, Robert Rispoli.

Donations in Mrs. Hanssler’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.