Obituary of Joanne L. Pinto

Joanne (Linder) Pinto, 88, of Hilton Head Island, SC, formerly of West Hartford CT, beloved wife of Francis Pinto to whom she was married to for the past 26 years, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2022. Born in Bristol, CT, daughter of the late George and Louise (Gillespie) Linder, she was a graduate of Bristol H.S., then went on to earn a B.S. in Nursing from Yale New Haven School of Nursing in 1954. Joanne had a wonderful and fulfilling career as registered nurse.  Always athletic, Joanne took up the sport of figure skating in her 30’s and subsequently became a professional skating instructor at the Veterans Memorial Skating Rink in West Hartford, CT.  She also worked as a travel agent during the 1980’s helping people book their perfect vacation, later specializing in business travel.  This, her third successful career, allowed Joanne to travel extensively which she enjoyed immensely. 

Upon the death of her first husband, Ernest St. Jacques, Joanne embarked on a new career as a certified personal trainer with a focus on elder wellness care.  She was the first person to achieve the designation of Fitness Practitioner, which required a medical background. Joanne started her own business, The Wellness Connection, and was instrumental with helping people live full, active lives well into their golden years.  In 1995, Joanne met and married the love of her life, Frances Pinto.  Joanne and Fran spent many hours dining and dancing and had a wonderful, happy life together.  A wonderful and fiercely loyal mother, Joanne enjoyed close relationships with her three children until the time of her passing.  Joanne enjoyed fine wine, fine food and laughter. Joanne was famous for her sweet-tooth and could be counted on to sneak a second or even third piece of birthday cake. The contents of your cookie jar were never safe when Joanne was around! Despite her healthy appetite, she managed to stay slim and trim by walking faster than the speed of light, making those walking along side of her to have to break out into a skip.  Joanne had a wonderful sense of humor, and always laughed the loudest at herself.

Joanne was a beautiful woman both inside and out and remained so up to her passing.  In addition to her husband, Joanne leaves her children Jay St. Jacques (Maritsa) of Gilford, NH, Susan Syme (Jim) of Hilton Head Island, SC and Christopher St Jacques (Jane) of Hilton Head Island, SC.  She also leaves 6 grandchildren, Timothy St. Jacques, Eric (Gina) Syme, Troy Syme, Tyler St. Jacques and Brent St. Jacques.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 9:15 am at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, Hilton Head Island, SC with the Mass of Christian Burial starting at 10am.  Burial will follow at Six Oaks Cemetery, Hilton Head Island, SC.   In lieu of flowers please donate to Palmetto Animal League, 56 Riverwalk Blvd, Ridgeland, SC. 29936.