Joan G. Narad

Dr. Joan Stern Narad, 79, died peacefully on March 17, 2023 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was born in Riverdale, NY, daughter to Victor and Greta Stern on June 21, 1943. She attended NYU and graduated from The Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1968. Joan went on to specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry and worked for decades treating and advocating for the mental health of children, adolescents and young adults.
In addition to her private practice (1973-1998) Joan first worked as an Assistant Professor in Child Psychiatry at The Medical College of Pennsylvania. She later went on to Silver Hill Hospital (1979-1994), and then Riverview Hospital for Children and Youth (1994-2007) where she served as the Associate Medical Director until her retirement in 2007. Joan's passion for her career and love for the children and families she worked with was immeasurable, and she did not stay 'retired' very long. She went on to serve as the Regional Medical Director for Connecticut Department of Children & Families (2008-2011) and Associate Medical Director of Beacon Health Options (2012-2018). Prior to her retirement in 2018, she was a clinical faculty member of the Yale Child Study Center for 39 years.
Joan's love of her career was unmatched by her love of the beach and she met her beloved husband of 41 years, Richard Narad, in Bermuda. They married in 1978 together with Richard's children Laurie and Christine. The family welcomed son, Michael, in 1980. Together the family lived in Westport, CT for 20 years, after which Joan and Richard moved to Old Saybrook where they resided for another 20 years. In 2019 the couple moved to Evergreen Woods where Joan became a prominent member of the community. Between daily visits with Richard prior to his death, she participated in the Evergreen Woods Employee Scholarship Program, and went on to serve as the president of the Resident Association until her death.
Joan was predeceased by her husband Richard M. Narad and daughter Laurie Narad. She is survived by her son Michael Narad, his wife Dr. Megan Narad (Waal), and beloved granddaughter Avery (7) of Cincinnati, OH. Joan is also survived by her daughter Christine Mason (Narad) and her husband Dr. Patrick Mason of Lancaster, VA. Joan's love for her family was immense. With decades of hosting boisterous Jewish Christmas celebrations with the Braus cousins in her home, she fostered a love for family gatherings and her homemade yule log. Together with her family and friends she enjoyed many summer vacations on Nantucket and adventurous outings on their boat. Towards the end of Richard's life Joan spent hours each day by his side, playing music, reading, and making sure he always had a good meal – even with an ice cream sundae at lunch (and sometimes dinner too!). Her love for her granddaughter Avery was boundless. The two shared a love of swimming and would often escape to the pool at Evergreen Woods together - typically followed by lunch in the dining room – complete with an ice cream sundae (of course!).
The family is especially grateful to the staff at Evergreen Woods and the support they provided to Joan and her family during her time there. The Cremation Society of New England has been entrusted with arrangements. There are no calling hours. A celebration of life will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Evergreen Woods Employee Scholarship Fund (88 Notch Hill Road, North Branford, CT 06471), a cause that was near and dear to Joan during her time at Evergreen Woods.

Published by The New Haven Register on Mar. 23, 2023.

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