Joan Arlene Bertnagel

Thomaston - Joan Arlene (Gallagher) Bertnagel, 77, of Thomaston, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Waterbury Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband, John Bertnagel.

Joan was born on February 16, 1943 in Waterbury, daughter of the late Charles and Georgia (Goldsmith) Gallagher. Joan worked as a nurse for 30 years before her retirement in 2006. She also volunteered over 29 years and was a life member of the Thomaston Ambulance Corps.

Joan is survived by her loving son David Bertnagel of Thomaston; daughter Kimberly Jones; her brother Kevin Gallagher; and two sisters Joyce Merrifield and Lynn Gallagher and her beloved St. Bernard Benjamin. Joan also is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews that she cherished along with many lifetime friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by three sisters, Alice Pelletier, Bonnie Gallagher, and Lorene Pangburn.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Thomas Church (St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish) 1 East Main St., Thomaston. Masks are required to enter the church and social distancing will be strictly enforced.  

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance 237 South Main Street Thomaston, CT 06787.