Joan M. McDonald died on January 17, 2022 at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, NY. Joan was born in October 1934 in Indian Lake, NY to John and Sophronia Tracy, the youngest of 13 children. After high school graduation, Joan moved to Poughkeepsie to attend the Vassar Brothers Hospital School of Nursing. In 1961, she married William J. McDonald (predeceased) and they remained in Poughkeepsie.
A skilled RN, Joan worked as a nurse throughout her career in a variety of settings. These included the former Hudson River State Psychiatric Center, Vassar Hospital, The Culinary Institute of America, and for several local ob/gyn and pediatric practices. Joan also volunteered and served on the Board of Advocates for the Vassar Warner Home for many years.
She is survived by her son, W. Patrick McDonald (Kirsten), and her daughter Mary E. Bish. Also surviving are her grandchildren Caitlin Haber (Zachary), Sarah Bish (Aditya Sapkal), Evan Bish, and Will McDonald, along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her love of the Adirondack Mountains, Joan will be remembered for her quiet faith, service to others, and devotion to her family - especially her grandchildren.
Graveside Services will Friday, January 21, 2022 at 1:30PM in St. Peter's Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wm. G. Miller Funeral Home & Son FH, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Please send any donations made in Joan’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Association. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com