Joan Trefz was known to some as the wife of entrepreneur Ernie Trefz who based his business in Bridgeport. To many others she was much more: kind and engaging while overseeing the joint foundation that carried her name.
Obituary from Abriola:
Joan Marie Frisk Trefz, 88, left us peacefully in her sleep on April 24th, 2025. She was the True North of the Trefz family, always providing a loving home & a welcome hug. Her story started in Stratford, CT where she grew up the only child of Adelaide Roland and Arvid Frisk. She never forgot her humble beginnings which helped to develop her compassion for others and her commitment to support the local community.
Her marriage to Ernest C Trefz in 1957 resulted in a big boisterous extended family that was her pride and joy! It began with their children: Linda, Christian and his wife Trish and Paul and his wife Joanne. The family grew to include their grandchildren: Theresa and her husband Ryan, Alex, Kevin, Christian Jr, Kendal, Josie and her husband Greg, Gretchen and Wyatt. And then, to Joan’s delight, the arrival of her great grandchildren: Leila, Scarlet, Willow, Cal, Griff, Nolan and Savanna. She cherished their time together and taught them all the beauty of friendship and loyalty. She later happily welcomed Jessica and Chloe to the group. She looked forward with joy & hope for the future of her entire family. What a great gift and a lasting legacy.
While raising her family she created an atmosphere of comfort & fun that made the Trefz house the place to be. She was the unofficial Medic of Canoe Brook Lake- any bumps or bruises found their way to her. She was the preferred Counselor for those seeking advice or help- always understanding & never judging. She gave her love & advice freely to all those within her orbit and the respect that she earned lasted her lifetime.
Joan had a more serious side. The side that selflessly supported the family business and the community. Her dedication as President of The Ernest & Joan Trefz Foundation lifted up countless organizations to help them achieve their goals and she gave them all endless energy. Her support of Ronald McDonald Children’s charities spoke to all of her values. Her love of the St. Vincent’s community was clear: the Foundation, the Auxiliary, Swim Across the Sound and the Seton Gift Shop all found their way into her heart. She served on the Board of the Brooklawn Country Club. She gave, supported & encouraged throughout her life: the Trumbull Pop Warner Football League, Trumbull High School Boosters Club, Trumbull Junior Women’s Club, Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, Danbury Hospital Foundation, Norwalk Hospital Foundation, the University of Bridgeport and countless others knew of her generosity.
Those of you who knew our Mom will remember her as a true people person with a gift of gab, her infamous German potato salad and her unwavering love. Thank you for everything, Mom. We love you back.
Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 11 AM at the Trumbull Congregational Church, 3115 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull. Interment will follow in the Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Monday, April 28th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ronald McDonald House of New Haven, 860 Howard Avenue, New Haven CT 06519 or The Ronald McDonald House of Greater Hudson Valley, 80 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY 10595.
