Joanne Micheels

Joanne A. Micheels, 82, of Plattsburgh, died peacefully Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at her home under the loving care of her family, caregivers, and Hospice of the North Country.
She was born in Highland Park, IL, July 16, 1943, the daughter of John Drake and Myra M. (Bevins) Austin. Joanne's American family history stretches back to the 1600's, with many of her ancestors settling in the Northeast.
She graduated from Highland Park (IL) High School in 1961 where she was an honor student and recognized as MVP in both field hockey and basketball. She married Raymond A. Micheels in 1964 and relocated from Illinois to New York.
A devoted friend, loving, caring mother and wife, Joanne was always quick to help others in any situation. Her kindness was infectious and extended to everyone she met. Her supportive nature helped countless others navigate their challenges with grace.
An avid reader, Joanne shared her passion as a volunteer reader for elementary school children in Middletown. A nature lover, Joanne was active in her community generating support for the first Earth Day in 1970. Joanne delighted in sharing her curiosity and love for nature with her children and grandchildren and was always eager to go on nature walks. She had a knack for pointing out the beauty in things that one might simply pass by. She enjoyed keeping fit with tennis, softball, cross country skiing, hiking and gardening through the years. Joanne had a special affinity for dogs throughout her life and always found time to stop and say hello to any four-legged friend that she came across.
Joanne earned her Associates Degree from Orange County Community College in Middletown, NY and enjoyed a long career as a tax preparer in both NY and Ohio, earning the title of enrolled agent, the highest credential issued by the IRS. When she retired, Joanne volunteered for several years for Habitat for Humanity, starting out in a women's build group in Middletown, Ohio.
After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Joanne actively participated in Alzheimer support groups in Ohio. Following their move to Plattsburgh, NY to be closer to family, Joanne and Ray were asked to be the "Spokes Family" in 2016 for the Annual Alzheimer's Walk to Remember, a role she gladly accepted in an effort to raise funds and awareness of the challenges of coping with this condition.
Joanne's memory lives on in the lives of: her devoted husband of 60 years and primary caregiver for the past 14 years, Raymond Micheels, daughter Laura Baxley and her husband Bill Baxley with their children Sam and Amelia, son Brian Micheels and his wife Karolyn Micheels with their children Luc and Brina, her brother John Austin, Jr, and her lifelong best friend Wil Ruthberg and her children Kim and Robyn.
The family would especially like to thank all the caregivers that enabled Joanne to remain comfortable in her home.
A celebration of life service will be held and announced at a later date.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.