Joan was born September 17, 1942 in Buffalo the daughter to Eleonor Burgess and Craig T Blair. She grew up in Buffalo and later resided the majority of her life in Attica NY, and for the last five years in Alexander.
Throughout the years, Joan or “Joannie” as known to most, was employed as a caretaker, a bus driver, a cleaning lady, a waitress, and various other odd jobs necessary to raise three children as a single mother. Later in life, she enjoyed an all too brief retirement where she had the opportunity to spend time with her grown kids and grandchildren, travel with friends, visit with relatives, and experience the little and subtle things that make life worth living; a Sunday drive, a Christmas play, squirrels on the front porch, and strolls down memory lane with a close companion. She was a truly generous woman who loved willingly and was loved by all who knew her. She was a good woman with a kind heart and she will be sorely missed by her friends and family.
Joan is survived by three children Kevin M. Riggs, Lisa M. Riggs, and Jason V. Calabrese, daughter in laws Danielle Riggs and Rebecca Calabrese, 8 grandchildren Branden, Jacob, and Macie Riggs, and Caleb, Cameron, Cara, Carissa, and Carson Calabrese.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00PM on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A Celebration of Joan’s life will immediately follow at 6:00PM at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Buffalo Hospice www.hospicebuffalo.com in honor of Joan. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011
