Joan Barbara Connolly Fraser

While heaven sings with her arrival, it is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Joan C. Fraser. Joan passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, at the age of 93, after a long and wonderful life filled with family, friendship, and active involvement in her communities in Haworth, NJ, and The Landings in Savannah, GA.

Joan was born in Brooklyn, NY, as the eldest of two daughters of John and Lillian Connolly. She attended Bethany College, WV, Rutgers College, NJ, and Columbia University in New York.

In 1955, Joan married Haddon S. Fraser of Westbrook, ME. They met while both were working for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in New York City. After living in Indianapolis and Milwaukee, they settled in Haworth, NJ. Joan served as Treasurer for Haddon S. Fraser Associates LTD in New York City. Joan’s commitment to her community was evident as she served as President of the Board of Education and as a Councilwoman in Haworth. Joan was an avid tennis player who won numerous trophies over the years. She served as President of the Loveladies Tennis Club on Long Beach Island, NJ. In Savannah, Joan was a member of The Abigails, the Moon River Choir, and numerous book clubs and bridge clubs.

After the passing of our beloved father, Haddon S. Fraser, in 1991, Joan worked for the County Council of Bergen County. There she met and married Chester P. Mattson, and they embarked on a new adventure by moving to The Landings in Savannah, GA.

Joan is survived by her loving family; her sister Margaret C. Leeper of Englewood, FL; her daughters, Linda E. Fraser of London, England; Mary C. Fraser of Savannah, GA; her son, Paul F. Fraser, daughter-in-law Bonnie Fraser, and Joan’s most precious grandson, Haddon S. Fraser of Bethel, CT; her stepdaughter, Karen Mattson, of Nashua, NH; her cousin, Margi Spies of Beaumont, CA; and her many, many wonderful nieces and nephews from Maine, New Hampshire, and Florida.

Joan was very social and had close relationships with her many friends.  She would often say, “I don’t know what I’d do without my girlfriends!”  We are all better off for knowing you, Joan, and look forward to the day we will see you again in the Great Beyond!