Obituary: JoAnn Margaret Runk, 74, Of Southport

From Shaughnessey-Banks Funeral Home:

JoAnn Margaret Runk, a 34-year resident of Southport, and beloved wife of Robert P. Runk for 51 years, passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was 74.

JoAnn was born in New Britain to the late Carl and Josephine (Herzy) Zotter where she attended New Britain High School and was the valedictorian, graduating in 1964. In 1968, she graduated from Mt. Holyoke College with a bachelor's degree in art history. Before her children arrived, she worked as operations director for Compass Group in Westport, and subsequently took the position of development director for the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport. In 1999, she cofounded Runk Douglas Antiques in Southport.

She loved art, music, and sports; and in her later years, produced a great number of paintings and drawings of her own. But most of all she loved her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband and her children, Andrew of Weston, and Amy of Boston, Massachusetts; her grandchildren, Alexander and Emily Runk of Weston; and her brother, Bruce Zotter of Washington D.C.

A private memorial service was held on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Southport Congregational Church. The service can be viewed via livestream at tinyurl.com/4tv2788f.

Memorial contributions in JoAnn’s name can be made to the Southport Congregational Church: tinyurl.com/6vvxdycd or text Sptccgiving Memorial $___ to 73256.