Obituary of Joan C. Keiser

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Carole (Czapla) Keiser. Joan entered into eternal life on January 1, 2024. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on February 15, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Theresa Nemeskay Czapla, and was a lifelong resident of Fairfield. Joan graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School and afterward became employed by Southern New England Telephone. She left the workforce to raise her family and years later returned to SNET where she worked in administration until her retirement. Joan dedicated her life to her family, and she touched the lives of many with her warmth and kindness. She enjoyed music, entertaining, and socializing with friends and family. Her home was always a gathering place where everyone was welcome. Joan was an energetic, active person, and had many interests. She had a natural gift for creativity, especially in the fiber/fabric arts and enjoyed sewing, crochet, needlework and ceramics. She enjoyed traveling and planned many trips with extended family and friends throughout the US, especially to Maryland's Eastern Shore and Florida. Joan will be remembered as a devoted mother, friend, wife and grandmother. She instilled in her family the importance of helping others and led by example. Joan was blessed with five granddaughters and loved them beyond measure. Being with them brought her great joy. She cared for them, played with them, laughed with them, and she inspired them to have many interests and be well-rounded individuals. Many meaningful memories will be shared among her family including her children: daughters, Teri Keiser, of Fairfield and Suzanne Laginestra, and her husband, Michael, of Southport; son, Thomas Keiser, Jr., and his wife, Lori, of Fairfield; granddaughters: Cecile Laginestra, Stephanie Laginestra, Caroline Laginestra, Declyn Keiser, and Lauren Keiser; former husband and dear friend, Thomas Keiser, Sr., and his wife, Diana, of Trumbull; sister-in-law, Jayne Keiser, of Fairfield; and brother, Bruce Czapla, and his wife, Kathy, of Southport; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews, whom Joan loved very much. Joan's family would also like to express heartfelt thanks to the incredible nurses, caregivers, and staff at Mozaic Senior Life who made her final years happy and peaceful. Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. directly at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 149 S. Pine Creek Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Mozaic Senior Life, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com