Joan M. Hand

Hoosick Falls – Joan M. (White) “Mam-ma” Hand, 67, died Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at the Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Roy Hand, whom she married on June 25, 1960.
Born on December 27, 1941, in North Bennington, VT, Joan was the daughter of the late James and Marian (Dean) White and was raised by her stepfather Merritt “Smitty” Smith. She was educated at schools in Hoosick Falls, NY, and was formerly employed at the Vermonter Motel in Bennington, VT, as a waitress and cook. Joan bowled in leagues in Bennington and Hoosick Falls; she also coached youth bowling in Bennington. She also enjoyed trips to the casino, mowing her lawn, gardening, reading, crafts and time spent with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of the Hoosick Baptist Church.
Survivors, other than her husband Roy of forty-nine years, include her daughter, Debbie Peeney of Buskirk, NY, her son, Paul Hand and wife Shari of Hoosick Falls, her sister, Gail Gardner and husband Roy of East Hoosick, NY, her brother, Allan “Butch” White and wife Linda of Pownal, VT, her grandchildren, Erin Peeney, Ryan Hand and Evan Hand, and her sister-in-law, Doris Sargood of Pittstown, NY.
Funeral services were Monday, June 29, at 11 am from the Hoosick Baptist Church on South Street in Hoosick, NY. Burial followed the service at the Mapletown Cemetery in Hoosick.
Relatives and friends called at the Mahar Funeral home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls on Sunday from 4 to 8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Hoosick Fire Department or the Albany Chapter of the National Kidney Foundation through the funeral home.