Joan received her Nursing degree from A. Barton Hepburn Hospital School of Nursing in Ogdensburg NY in 1953 and worked in hospitals in northern, eastern and western NY. She was oftenrecognized for her excellence in nursing, and particularly the deep, sincere care she demonstrated with her patients. Joan was active in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Perry, NY until 1993 when she and George retired from farming and moved to the Gulf Coast in Alabama. She was active in her Church in Lillian, Alabama, loved going to the beach, baking, crocheting, reading and movies. Soon after George’s death in 2013 Joan moved back to Perry to be with her family.
Joan was a loving wife and mother and is survived by her children; Jeff (Nancy) Fitch of Perry, Mike (Robin) Fitch of Warsaw, Beth Fitch and Berna Ticonchuk of Naples and James (Lorna) Fitch of Perry; eight grandchildren, Karissa (Shaun) Jackson, Emilee (Steve) Mitchell, Ian Fitch, Jennifer (Tim) Bramer, Jillian Fitch, James (Jennifer) Fitch, Justine Fitch, Matthew Fitch and 3 great grandchildren, Wesley and Violet Jackson and Rowan Bramer. Joan is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
An 11:00 am Memorial Mass will be celebrated on September 1, 2017 at St. Isidore’s Parish, 8 Park St. Perry, NY 14530. A graveside commital to follow at St. Joseph’s cemetery on Walker Rd. The family wishes to thank the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), HomeCare and Hospice for making it possible for Joan to spend her final days at her home on Silver Lake.
Our mom loved us each and every day and we couldn’t be more blessed than to have had her with us for so many years. We thank God for it and are proud to call her our mom.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare and Hospice 1225 West State Street, Olean, NY 14760-2135. You may designate their use for Wyoming County patients. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.
