Joan C. Williams

MILLERTON — Joan C. Williams, 86, a 47-year resident of Millerton, died peacefully at her home on Sept. 1, 2020. 

Born June 2, 1934, in Sharon, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth Harry and Margaret (Parsons) Card. 

Joan grew up in Millerton and graduated from Millerton High School. 

On Jan. 24, 1954, in Millerton she married Richard “Dick” Williams. Dick and Joan traveled the United States while Dick served in the United States Air Force for more than 20 years. 

During his length of service, Joan was actively involved in volunteer services and supporting the troops, while raising their three children. 

Dick and Joan moved back to Millerton in 1973 following Dick’s retirement and together built their home on Sawchuck Road. Mr. Williams died on April 11, 1982.

Joan was an active member of the Lakeville United Methodist Church for more than 40 years. She worked for many years as the manager of the jewelry department for Ames department store in Amenia. Prior to that, she worked for Aperture Book and Photo in Millerton.  

Joan had a zest for life. She loved traveling, dining out and most importantly spending time with her family.

Joan is survived by her three children and their spouses, Denise Geyer and her husband, Stephen, of Copake, N.Y., Dennis L. Williams and his wife, Nancy, of Millerton and Jeffery K. Williams and his wife, Marleny, of Stamford, Conn.; two granddaughters, Lauren Williams of Kent and Brielle Williams of Dover Plains; two sisters, Phoebe Joyce Kaestner and her husband, Gordon, of Warner Robins, Ga., and Margaret Elaine Colon and her husband, Tom, of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; her niece, Debra Middlebrook and her husband, Lance, of Millerton; her nephew, Stephen Kaestner and his wife, Jackie, of Warner Robins; her nephew, Howard Kaestner and his wife, Nikki, of Atlanta, Ga.; and many friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her longtime companion, Marvin Van Benschoten.

Funeral services were on Sept. 5 at the Lakeville United Methodist Church, the Rev. Margaret Laemmel officiating. Burial was at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton. The committal service was  at the Irondale Cemetery. A celebration of Joan’s life will also take place in the near future. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Millerton Fire Company, P.O. Box 733, Millerton, NY 12546; or to the Lakeville United Methodist Church, P.O.  Box 648, Lakeville, CT 06039. 

Arrangements are under the care of the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home in Millerton. To send an online condolence, go to www.conklinfuneralhome.com.