Joan Fay

1928 - 2014

Joan Elizabeth Fay

New Paltz, NY - Joan Elizabeth Fay, age 85, New Paltz, NY, passed away on August 11, 2014 after a brief illness.

Born on December 10, 1928, in Poughkeepsie, NY, she was the daughter of the late Milton K. and the late Jual J. (Rossi) Luks. She graduated from Keuka College in 1951. She married W. Michael Fay on July 7, 1951 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Her husband, W. Michael Fay predeceased her June 20, 1995.

Joan was active in the family business. She worked alongside her husband at Bolton Surgical Co., Inc., in Poughkeepsie, NY. She loved her family and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible. She was a two time cancer survivor.

Joan was active as a volunteer in many local organizations including the Children's Home, PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Meals on Wheels, and the Mid-Hudson Library. She was an active 60+ year member of AAUW, a member of PEO, and a Lifetime Learner, most recently attending classes at CLS (Center for Lifetime Study). Joan loved to travel and had been around the globe to many locations, as well as traveling the local roads and byways of the beautiful Hudson Valley. She had a love for New York City and all it offered, including its museums, restaurants and of course, Broadway. She loved her adopted home of Woodland Pond in New Paltz where she gained a loving and caring community after having lived her entire life in Poughkeepsie. She made friends with everyone she met.

Surviving are two daughters, Michelle C. Sussman and her husband Fred of Newburgh, NY; Leslie E. Fay Scofield of Clinton Corners, NY; and two sons, Jonathan M. Fay of Highland, NY, David M. Fay and his wife Brenda Burnham of Hopkinton, MA; sister, Debra Beryl Elman of Petaluma, CA; sister(in-law), Shirl E. Fay of Needham, MA; Grandchildren: Staci Fay Hoover and her husband Nicholas of Buchanan, NY; Jon-Luke Fay of Poughkeepsie, NY; Chelsea L. Fay and her Fiancé Richard Braun of Waterbury, CT; D.J. Scofield, Jessica J. Scofield, and Joseph M. Scofield of Clinton Corners, NY; Ethan Burnham-Fay of Rochester, NY; Elise Burnham-Fay, Gwen Burnham-Fay of Hopkinton, MA; great granddaughter, Aubrea L. Braun of Waterbury, CT. She was predeceased by her Brother, Charles K. Luks.

There are no calling hours. There will be a memorial service at Woodland Pond, New Paltz at a later date. Cremation will be at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, NY. Memorial donations may be made to: Keuka College, The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie or the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Funeral Arrangements are by Copeland Funeral Home, Inc., 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561. (845)255-1212. If anyone wishes to express condolences online please go to www.copelandfhnp.com.