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Joan M. Brown

Joan Marie Brown (Hill) had a contagious, almost mischievous smile.  She was intelligent, hard-working and tenacious.  Joan had beautiful green eyes, a heart of gold, a generous nature and boundless love for her family and friends.  You knew where you stood with Joan as she wasn’t shy about sharing her opinion if asked!

Joan was born in Endicott, NY on September 26, 1938 to Clarence and Lavilla Hill and passed away unexpectedly on July 22, 2017.  She lived most of her life in the Vestal, NY area.  She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Clarence “Roy” Hill of Wilmington, NC.  Joan is survived by brother Gerald “Jerry” Hill and sister-in-law Mary Hill of Castleton, NY, and sister-in-law Katie Hill of Wilmington, NC, and many truly special nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, including Emerald Cay Graham of Durham, NC. Joan leaves behind children Suzy (Larry) Fallon of Hudson, WI, Sally Frey of Hudson, WI and David (Tara) Brown of Midlothian, VA.  She is also survived by six beloved grandchildren: Kaitlin Frey, Iain Brown, Hannah Brown, Noah Frey, Elle Fallon and Cooper Fallon.  She is also survived by her exchange student daughter, Deborah Morris of Tunbridge Wells, England and ex-husband, Duane Brown of Hudson and grand-dog, Bruno of Hudson.  

Joan loved to take care of other people and her family especially loved her apple pies, cookies and “eat me” coffee cake.   Joan was simply the best mom in the world and dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren, family members and anyone else who needed a hug, smile or word of encouragement.  During her younger years, she was known as a gifted vocalist and sang with many choirs and as a soloist. When Joan was just 59 years old, she suffered a debilitating stroke as a result of a brain aneurysm.  While many people would have given up, Joan persevered and worked incredibly hard to maintain a high level of independence.  Her strength, courage and faith served as encouragement to others who also struggled.  Prior to her aneurysm, Joan worked for IBM and then Lockheed Martin in Owego, NY.  Joan loved her job as a program manager and was proud of her work on the B1 Bomber project.

Joan’s last home was at Comforts of Home in Hudson. She loved welcoming new residents, having coffee with friends and learning all about the lives of her wonderful care-giving team.  While Joan did not belong to a specific faith community in Hudson, her focus on her faith and the Lord were evident in her ever day interactions with others. Joan’s infectious smile, loving nature and devotion to family will be missed by all who knew and loved her.  Joan’s generosity and focus on others will continue via organ donation. There are no public services planned at this time.  Please contact her family via O’Connell Funeral Home for questions and condolences, (715-386-3725). 

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