Joan E. Powell

Winthrop – Mrs. Joan E. Powell, 77, passed away peacefully, Monday, January 26, 2015 at Massena Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Joan was born on October 2, 1937 in Cortland, daughter of the late Thomas D. and Mary (Whalen) Ryan. She graduated from Moravia High School and then from Powelson Business School in Syracuse on August 17, 1956. She married Robert G. Powell, Sr. at St. Patrick Church in Moravia on September 28, 1957. They have shared 57 years of a union filled with love, laughter, and family. She started her working career at Well’s College in Aurora then on to St. Lawrence University in Canton where she worked in admissions. After spending time raising her children, Joan was a secretary at Van Ness Company in Potsdam and then Collins Insurance in Brasher Falls. She became a licensed insurance broker and assisted in the establishment of Best Insurance in Brasher Falls, where she stayed until she retired. She learned the values and importance of family through her own upbringing, evident by the love that was shown by her children and grandchildren. Joan was a woman of great character; honest, compassionate, had a zest for life, a warm smile and a good sense of humor. Joan leaves behind her husband, Robert; her children and their spouses, Robert G. Powell, Jr. of Winthrop, Kathleen and Raymond LeBlanc, Jr. of Proctor, VT and Stephanie and Wayne Patraw of Winthrop; seven grandchildren, Brian Patraw, Rylan Patraw, Quinn Patraw, Donovan Patraw, Corissa (LeBlanc) and Greg Burnell, Kelsey LeBlanc, Jillian LeBlanc; four great grandchildren, Carter Ramson, Lamont Burnell, Raymond Burnell and Phoenix Smith; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Marilyn Hargett and two foster brothers, Joe and Tony Gentilcore. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 8 pm at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Joan’s funeral service will be private at the convenience of her family. Flowers are gratefully declined, but those wishing to express an act of kindness in Joan’s memory, please consider donations to Tri Town Rescue Squad or the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences can be shared with her family at www.hammillfh.com.