Joanne Anita Chambers

Chambers, Joanne Anita Perkins
CLIFTON PARK - Joanne Anita Perkins Chambers, age 83, loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Joanne was born on April 11, 1942, in Saratoga Springs, and was the daughter of the late Irving and Esther (Baker) Perkins, natives of Stony Creek, N.Y. and late of Hudson Falls, N.Y.
After graduating from Hudson Falls High School, Joanne pursued her love of learning at Green Mountain College (A.A.) and Keuka College (B.A.). Her career as an English teacher included time at Queensbury High School, Schalmont High School, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School, and then contributed over two decades at Shenendehowa High School. After completing her M.A. in Writing at the University at Albany, Mrs. Chambers founded the Writing Center at Shenendehowa, becoming a pioneer in the use of computers in teaching writing. A member of the American Association of University Women, the National Council of Teachers of English, and New York State United Teachers, she earned multiple awards including Teacher of the Year. Her dedication to her students and her profession left a lasting impression on many young lives, as well as on her colleagues. Proper grammar and precise diction from her students and children were among her legacies.
Joanne met her beloved husband James through an introduction by his sister, Eve Chambers, a teaching colleague. The two were united in marriage in 1968, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and companionship. They spent each wedding anniversary on their beloved Lake George. Their love and marriage were truly rare.
Following her retirement from Shenendehowa, Joanne continued her commitment to education as a professor in the graduate school at Union College, where she mentored aspiring educators, and remained deeply engaged in the academic community. She also helped to create a Special Legislative Tax District for the Shenendehowa Free Library Association, and served multiple Trustee terms. A voracious and capacious reader, Joanne was a regular at local book clubs, coffee shops, and wherever good books were sold. Even after her illness sapped her ability to read and comprehend, she was never without a novel in hand.
Faith was an important part of Joanne's life. Raised in the Methodist tradition, she remained devoted to her faith throughout her life, and was an active and dedicated member of Shenendehowa United Methodist Church and its Sarah Circle. Over the years, she served in numerous roles within the church and was a valued member of several committees. Joanne was a true gift to this world. Her religious beliefs guided her kindness, generosity, compassion, joy, and musical talents.
Joanne is survived by her adored husband, James S. Chambers of Corinth, N.Y.; her loving son, Thomas A. Chambers; and wife, Anne E. Ward of New Orleans, La.; and dedicated daughter, Jennifer A. Chambers, of Worcester, Vt.; her wonderful grandchildren, Theodore Chambers, Henry Chambers, and Violet Murphy; her caring sister, Amelia (the late John) Mayotte; Jim's siblings, Eve Chambers and John Chambers; and multiple great-nieces and great-nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, March 22, from 1 to 2 p.m., at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Rd., Ballston Lake, N.Y. 12019.
A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m.
Interment will conclude Joanne's services on Monday, March 23, at 11 a.m., at Pineview Cemetery, Queensbury, N.Y. A procession will begin at the funeral home at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park, N.Y. 12065.
Arrangements are entrusted to Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Rd., Ballston Lake, and they encourage you to view and leave messages on Joanne's Book of Memories, at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com