Joan Waldron

Joan Templeton Austin Waldron, 88, of Catskill, NY, and South Yarmouth, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28 after enjoying a week of telling stories, playing games and making music in the company of dear family in Lansdale, PA.  
She was born December 2, 1936, in Catskill, NY, the daughter of the late Walter Ayers Austin and Isabella Burns Austin. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Arthur “Coach” Waldron. She is survived by daughter Laurie (John Gigantelli) and granddaughters Hayley and Caitlin; son Jeff (Wendy) and grandsons Austin and Shane; stepdaughter Shirley and granddaughter Tara and great-grandson Malek and grandson John; and former son-in-law Mike Timmons. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.  
Joan loved learning and excelled in school. She attended a one-room schoolhouse during her elementary years and graduated from Catskill High School in 1954 where she was active in chorus, band, cheerleading, and tennis. She graduated with honors from New Paltz State Teachers College in 1958 with a degree in Elementary Education and started her teaching career in Saugerties. Joan paused her career while her children were young, but returned when they became teenagers, teaching 2nd and 4th grade at Catskill Elementary School.
Joan delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and maintained an independent and close relationship with each of them throughout her life. She was endlessly proud of their accomplishments and attended many graduations, sports events and performances over the years. She also cherished all her granddogs, who gave her numerous reasons to laugh and supplied anecdotes to share.
Joan will be remembered for her love of music, mirth and laughter as well as her fierce independence, strength of character, zest for games and practical jokes, competitive spirit, passion for watching basketball, kindness, and extreme generosity. She was an accomplished pianist but learned the tenor saxophone when she joined the New Horizons Band later in life.  She took great joy in being a member of the “Saxy Ladies” sub-group and hosted practices and gatherings at her home. Her creativity extended beyond music; she possessed remarkable skill with needlework and knitting and made countless handcrafted treasures for her family. She was likewise an excellent cook best known and most appreciated for her delicious pies. 
Joan made it her mission to embrace each day as an adventure, refusing to waste a single one. She deeply loved her family and friends and will be dearly missed by all.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Horizons Band of Cape Cod with donations payable to New Horizons Band of Cape Cod and mailed Attn: Mr Lawrence Gisetto, 25 Alderberry Road, Bourne, MA 02532; or to the Cairo Historical Society, by check to PO Box 803, Cairo, NY 12313, or call (518) 821-3852 for CC donations. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, NY. The family plans to hold a graveside service in the spring of 2026. Additional details will be announced once confirmed. Please check the funeral home website for updated information.