Hoosick Falls – Joan Delores Gravel entered into the presence of the Lord on January 26, 2017, at her home on Lyman Street in Hoosick Falls. Joan was born in Catskill, New York, on May 6, 1937, to Alfred and Annamay Cripps.[private] She never worked outside of the home due to a disability, but that didn’t keep her from being a dedicated stay-at-home wife and mother. Joan was a big fan of TV action shows and spent much of her time putting together puzzles and doing word search puzzles. Joan especially loved to color, particularly pictures of nature. She had a special gift for blending colors into beautiful tapestries.
Joan was a prayer warrior and a woman of unashamed faith. Though she experienced many trials in her life, her love for and trust in Jesus carried her through the worst of these. A highlight of her life was hosting a weekly Bible Study in her home. Joan also treasured her Hoosick Falls Community Alliance Church family and looked forward to spending time worshipping with them.
Though wheelchair bound for most of her 80 years, Joan was extremely independent, a prime example of a woman of strength and perseverance, that was evidenced as she cared for herself and sacrificially for her bed-ridden husband when he was alive.
Joan’s greatest passion was her family and faithful pets. Her face would light up at the thought of hosting family gatherings at her home for the holidays and picnics in the summers. She was especially overjoyed by the birth of her great-grandson Lenn last year, who lived with her. Joan was pre-deceased by her husband George of 44 years, a daughter Deborah Drozdzal, and a brother Buddy Cribbs.
She is survived by 2 daughters: Joanie Pierard and Diane Burnett; 2 sons: Leon and James Brown; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Carol Ann Beck and Janet Tomlinson; a brother Junior; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Joan’s life was held on Monday, January 30, at Hoosick Falls Community Alliance Church, 484 Hill Road, Hoosick Falls, with Reverend Jonathan Youngmann officiating. Friends visited with the family prior to the service. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Mahar Funeral Home in Hoosick Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hoosick Falls Community Alliance Church through the funeral home. [/private]