Joan Gillespie Gantner

Joan Gillespie Gantner passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on August 7, 1939, and was a lifelong resident of Pine Bush, NY. Joan is survived by her daughter, Linda Doty and her husband Mark, and her son, Richard Gantner and his wife Carla. She is also survived by her four cherished granddaughters and their husbands Casey and Ryan Bannon, Amy and Brian Sullivan, Amber and Mack Kilkeary, and Chelsea and Len Lilley. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren - Cole & Parker Bannon, Aisla & Shay Kilkeary, Finn Sullivan, and five foster great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister Lorraine Gihr and her husband Jim, several nieces and nephews and her beloved friend and companion, Richard Smith Sr.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Thelma Gillespie and her sister, Joyce Laurent.

Joan spent her life in service to her family, of which she was extremely proud. Watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren live loving and happy lives brought her immense joy. She was a longtime and active member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon and in numerous other roles. In her free time Joan enjoyed sewing, crafting and doing crossword puzzles. In her later years Joan could often be found enjoying the sunshine on her porch and chatting with neighbors, friends, and family members who visited. Joan's love and friendship will be sorely missed.

A memorial service and celebration of Joan's life will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 am at Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Thompson Ridge, NY.

Arrangement of cremation and other support for the family is being provided by Dewitt-Martinez Funeral Home in Pine Bush.