Obituary of Joan F Paccone

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Paccone of Apalachin, NY on May 21st at the age of 93. Joan's final days were spent peacefully at Mercy House in Endicott with extended family and Bob, her husband of 69 years, at her side. Joan is also survived by her children Jim (Anna) Dallas, TX, Elise Pangborn (Steve) Raleigh, NC, Ellen Robb (Dick) Syracuse, NY, Steve (Becky) Manchester, MA, Laura Milspaw (Terry) Apalachin, NY, Ed (Lori) Powhatan, VA; grandchildren Matthew, Daniel (Jessica), Alison (Marat), Julia, Jennifer (Kyle), Mitchell, Nicholas, Mason; great-grandchildren Noah, Summer, and Sophie; brothers-in-law William (Marietta), Richard (Betty), sister-in-law Susan (Robert) as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was pre-deceased by her parents Joseph and Catherine McLaughlin, brother Jerry, nephew Eugene, and granddaughter Alexandra. Joan was born and raised in the Bronx and graduated from Hunter College with a teaching degree. She enjoyed her classroom of second graders before she and Bob were married on December 26,1955 and moved to Binghamton, NY. The next year they made their home in Apalachin and enjoyed the ups and downs of raising a large family where Joan developed lifelong friendships and connections to the community through her many hobbies and volunteer work. She enjoyed golfing, sailing on Cayuga Lake, swimming all summer in the backyard pool, and creating floral arrangements to compete at the Tioga County Fair. Fall and winter often found her substitute teaching, serving as a cub scout den leader, and cross-country skiing with Bob. For years they played couples bridge then Joan continued with just the women (who liked to include lunch). She was always working on crossword puzzles while enjoying a cup of tea in the afternoon and, most recently, joined a book club and started playing mahjong. Joan was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren, always supporting their interests in the arts, athletics and especially their academic achievements. After her successful treatment for breast cancer in the early 1980s (made easier by the companionship of her beloved Scottish Terrier, Barney) Joan volunteered with the Tioga County Cancer Society Reach to Recovery program. She educated many young women on the importance of breast health and self-examination with her presentations. Joan generously gave her time as well to the St. Ambrose soup kitchen, and the Ladies of Charity, working at the Nearly New Shop and serving on the scholarship committee for several years. Together with Bob, Joan enjoyed trips to Europe and travel throughout the country, but their happiest times were spent in Virginia Beach every October for more than forty years. Hers was a life full of faith, family and fun and we will forever cherish the love and memories that remain. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 801 Main St., Vestal, NY on Tuesday July 1st at 10:30 am. Visitation with family will be held at 9:30 am in the church for an hour immediately preceding mass. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY 13760. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the compassionate caregivers there who were a blessing to Joan in her final days.