Joan D. Ast

Joan D. Ast of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away October 12th in Middletown, NY surrounded by her family. She was 89 years old. Joan was born on July 15th, 1936 in Cahoozie, NY and was the daughter of Florence Ganz Aber and Austin Aber.
Joan's main passion in life was creating and nurturing her large family. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved and cherished her entire family. Joan married Frank Ast on October 16th, 1955 and will be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary together in heaven this year. The love they shared and gave to their family was inspirational. Joan lived a long, happy life full of joyous memories raising her children with Frank, spending summers at Mohican Lake in Glen Spey, NY, and being an active part of all her grandchildren and great-children's lives. Joan never missed a birthday, sports game or any life event in the family.
Joan knew how to enjoy life and be a source of joy to everyone who was around her. She was known for her boisterous laugh and sparkling smile that filled any room with her radiant energy. She took great pride in taking care of her home. Her hobbies included gardening, cooking, and baking. She could always be found humming a tune while sewing or crocheting a project for family and friends. Whether she was fishing with Frank, or water skiing at the lake, she enjoyed the outdoors and appreciated nature. Joan mastered the art of living in the moment, enjoying the simple pleasures of life and always remaining optimistic in the face of life's challenges.
Joan is survived by her sons, Jerry Ast and his wife, Cathy of Port Jervis, Jeff Ast and his wife, Connie of Wayne County, PA; her daughters, Joanne (Jodi) Ast Gunderman of Matamoras, PA, Carol Storms and her husband, John of Huguenot, NY; her beloved grandchildren: Jennifer Polarski and her husband Peter, Jill Nehrkorn and her husband Kurt, Kristin Scott and her fiance Andrew Dembeck, Jason Gunderman and his wife Caitlyn, Jenelle France and her husband Thomas, Jordan Jasper and her husband Kyle, Brett Ast and his wife Jamie, Jenna Keener, Caitlin Diaz, Scott Keener and his wife Natalie, Danielle Osowick and her husband Thomas, Dustin Gochenour and his wife Rachel, Jeremy Gochenour and his wife Jordan; her twenty-one beloved great-grandchildren: Nathan, Ellie, Grace, Madeline, Elliott, Simon, Sophia, Jackson, Jessa, Jay-R, Amelia, Isaac, Oliver, Connor, August, Delaney, Hadlie, Penelope, Miles, Owen, and Emma; and several nieces and nephews.
Joan was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Frank Ast. She is also pre-deceased by her siblings, Evelyn March, Kenneth Aber, Donald Aber and Robert Aber.
A visitation will take place on Thursday 10/16 from 11AM to 1:00PM at Knight - Auchmoody Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will commence 1:00PM at the Funeral Home, Rev. Amy Garrett, officiating. Following the service burial will take place at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Port Jervis. NY.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Humane Society of Port Jervis / Deerpark, 202 US-209, Port Jervis, NY 12771.