Joan Stevens Hathaway

ELIZABETHTOWN — Joan Stevens Hathaway, (The Colonel's Wife), 86, died March 30, 2009, at Horace Nye Home in Elizabethtown where she had lived for the past four years. She was surrounded by her family and many loving caregivers.

She was born in New York City, Jan. 26, 1923, the daughter of Herman and Cornelia (Lund) Koehl.

She loved and vacationed in the Adirondacks where she met Frank Durand (Durk) Stevens and they married Sept. 7, 1945.Together, they raised five children.Joan spent most of her life as a military wife, traveling all over the world, enjoying life and caring for her children.She then settled in Elizabethtown with her children and worked many years for Essex County.

Joan was a member of the American Legion and was a Gold Star mother. Her son, Ricky, was killed in action in Vietnam on Oct. 6, 1968.

She is survived by her children, Shelle Jaquish of Colonie, N.Y., Robin Sezna and husband, William of Elizabethtown, Brooke Beaton and husband, Donald of Lewis and Scott Stevens of Burlington, Vt.; grandchildren, Cashell Jaquish, Tasha Sezna and partner, Maura, Lindsay Sezna, Kaitlin and Taylor Beaton.

She is predeceased by husbands, Frank Stevens and Ken Hathaway; and one son, Richard D. Stevens.

Donations in Joan's memory may be made to the Horace Nye Activity Department, P.O. Box 127, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 or the American Legion Post 551, P.O. 476, Elizabethtown, NY 12932.

Arrangements are in the care of W.M. Marvin's Sons in Elizabethtown. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

For online condolences please visit www.wmmarvins.com.