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Joan Gallivan Obituary

Wanaksink Lake, NY

Formerly of Salisbury Mills, NY

After a courageous four-year battle against non-smokers' lung cancer, Joan lost her fight on Friday, October 3, 2008 and received her eternal reward in Heaven.

The daughter of the late William and Almeda Masker Hutt, she was born June 1, 1941 in Middletown, NY. She was 67 years old.

Thanks to the caring professionalism of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., and the loving support of her family and friends, Joan was able to spend her final days at home overlooking her beloved Wanaksink Lake.

Joan knew from the start that she was facing huge odds, but that never kept her from living her life to the fullest degree possible. She had an ability to focus on each day and live it fully. The courage and determination that she showed has been an inspiration for everyone she came in contact with. Joan will remain forever and always in our hearts and now will be an angel on our shoulders.

Joan was a retired teacher for the Washingtonville School District, and an Adjunct Professor at Mt. St. Mary's College.

While living in Salisbury Mills, she was a member of St. Mary's Church and served on the parish council. She was a Board member of Moffatt Library and an original member of the Blooming Grove Recreation Committee, serving as its Chair. Since moving to Sullivan County, she became a member of St. Paul's Parish in Bullville and served on the Liturgy Committee. Joan was also active in the Sullivan County United Way Budget and Allocations Committee, and was a former member of the Board of Directors and past President of the Women's Club at Wanaksink Lake.

Joan is survived by her loving husband, Paul at home; three cherished daughters: Cheryl A. Keller and her husband, Michael of Geneseo, Michelle DiMilia and her husband, Peter of Claryville, and Jennifer AuClair and her husband, James of Phoenix, NY; six beloved grandchildren: Andrew and Jake Keller, Peter and Mareena DiMilia and Christopher and Katy AuClair, as well as six nieces, two nephews, and one brother, Jon Hutt.

Visitation hours are from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, October 10, at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc, 130 Highland Ave., Middletown, NY.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, October 11, at St. Paul's R.C. Church, Rt. 17K in Bullville, at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Patrick McGuigan, O.Carm officiating. Following cremation, interment will be in the family plot at Grahamsville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Joan's name may be made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550.

Arrangements by Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.; 845-343-6309 or www.applebee-mcphillips.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Herald-Record from Oct. 5 to Oct. 6, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Gallivan

Not sure what to say?





Jeri Heinzelman

October 20, 2008

Dear Paul and family,

Marie just told me of Joan's passing. I was so very saddened to hear the news.
Take comfort in knowing that others understand the trials you and your family went through as she courageously battled this terrible disease, and that she is no longer suffering.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Most sincerely,
Jeri Heinzelman

Tracey McGuinness

October 18, 2008

Paul, Cheryl, Michelle, and Jennifer:
I was very sorry to hear about Joan's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

MaryAnn Ryan

October 13, 2008

Paul & Sheryl, Michelle and Jennifer,

I am sorry to hear of Joan's passing and want you to know that she is and you are in my prayers. It has been so many years since I had seen you but would think of you often. Joan is in the arms of God. A safe and wonderful place to be.

Fondly,
Mary Ann Versweyveld Ryan

Yvonne DeSimone

October 13, 2008

Dear Paul and Family,

Life changes without Joan. Life was special because we had Joan to share it with us. We saved a chair for her at our 'Middie' lunch every month over the past year hoping she was well enough to join us. When she could, we were so happy, when she couldn't we felt the loss. Too many memories from high school to list.. all wonderful. I will miss her and always keep her in my heart.

Kathy & Chris Akers

October 11, 2008

Dear Paul,

We just heard about your loss and want to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Joan was a wonderful person and we will always keep her in our hearts.

Kathleen Langton

October 10, 2008

Dear Paul,

My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Joan was a wonderful women and a warm person. I will always remember her with her bright smile and shining face. She made the world a better place.

May God bless her in heaven.

Carmen Bruckner

October 9, 2008

Dear Paul and family,
We have been thinking of all of you and keeping you in our prayers. I was so impressed with Joan when she was my daughter, Christine's, 6th grade teacher at Taft (1988-89). She was absolutely wonderful. Joan turned out to be a lovely friend to us, as well. I cannot picture her without a smile on her face. Always gentle and caring, alway enjoying whatever she was doing. She taught not only her students, but everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. May you find great comfort in knowing that she touched so many people.
John and Carmen Bruckner

Maryanne Kissel

October 9, 2008

Paul and girls. I am in South Carolina but my mind and heart are with you. Too many memories, all good, to recite. Much love,me

Cathie Gaspard

October 8, 2008

Paul, Sheryl, Michelle and Jennifer,

I remember Joan with always having a smile on her face. I think of all of you often when I pass your former house in Washingtonville.
My prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow. I am glad to know you will have many happy memories of Joan. Many people will have fond memories of her.

Deirdre Cudmore-Rodriguez

October 8, 2008

Mrs. Gallivan was my sixth grade teacher at Taft Elementary and she has made a lasting impression on me and I am sure to all of her students. I was very saddened to hear of her passing. My heart goes out to her family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.

Diane Burlison

October 8, 2008

Dear Paul, Sherryl, Michelle and Jennifer,

I often think of you all with fond memories. I was so sad to hear of your mom's death. We spent many afternoons drinking tea or coffee discussing our families. I know you all were the light of her life. I am sorry I didn't get a chance to speak and comfort her in her time of need. I can see from the article that she was comforted by many friends and her strong religious believes during her last hours. Please know you are all my prayers.

Kerry Devlin Sharkey

October 8, 2008

So saddened to hear the news. Our family passes along much love and comfort during this difficult time. I will always remember your mom fondly and am grateful to have known such a lovely woman. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May the treasured memories of your time together get you through when things are trying.

Love,
kerry & The Devlin Families

Cathy & Doug Poetzsch

October 8, 2008

Dear Paul and Family,
Joan had a way of making everyone feel special and part of the Wanaksink Lake family. She will be greatly missed. You are in our prayers.
Sincerely,

Stefan G. Chevalier, D.O.

October 7, 2008

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Joan was always a bright spot in our day -- she will be sorely missed. Fondly,
Dr. Chevalier and Staff

Lil and Cliff Costa

October 7, 2008

Dear Paul and girls,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Joan will always be that vibrant, active, enthusiastic woman who believed in limitless possibilities. She was an inspiration to many and a friend to all. Our memories are of fun, laughter and a love of the environment.
Please accept our sincere sympathy.

Michele Dayton

October 6, 2008

Paul,
I am so sorry for your loss.I also lost my Mom from non-smokers lung cancer.It's a horrible disease. Cherish all the great memories you both had together and keep them close to your heart.She is not suffering anymore and she's at peace.
Take Care of yourself,
Michele (Hsbc Bank Vails Gate Branch)

Lynne Chiger

October 6, 2008

One of my Wanaksink Moms! I have so many wonderful memories that will live on forever. Joanie always opened her home and heart to me. She was a terrific woman and she will be missed.

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