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BORN
1938
DIED
2011
Joan McFadden Obituary
Born in Brooklyn on August 14, 1938, she was the daughter of Anthony and Winifred D'Amico. Joan was employed as a legal secretary in Poughkeepsie for many years, and was well-respected and beloved by the local legal community.
Before retiring in 1998, she worked for the Honorable George G. Bernhard for twenty years in Dutchess County Family Court and Surrogate's Court. At both courthouses, Joan greeted everyone with the warmest of smiles and touched everyone's heart.
She was well-known for her generous nature and her ever-present charm and grace, and she was always ready, able, and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
On September 21, 1957, at St. Michael's Church in Brooklyn, NY, Joan married Edward M. McFadden who survives at home.
She is also survived by her daughter, Joan W. McFadden of Red Hook; her granddaughters, Victoria McKenna and Lorelei Civitillo; her brother, Anthony D'Amico and his wife Carolyn of North Carolina; her nieces and nephews, Carolyn Bradbury, her husband Ray Bradbury and their three children Kaitlyn, Patrick and Ryan of Pennsylvania and Anthony D'Amico, III, his wife Jodie, and their son Ronan of Long Island; and many beloved McFadden brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714.
For driving directions or to send the family an online condolence, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan McFadden
Christian R. Cullen
December 30, 2022
Joan was "Everyone's best friend!" She always made everyone feel welcome in an intimidating environment which a court room could be.
Christian Cullen
William Crane Jr.
January 14, 2011
Joan McFadden was the nicest person in the world. We all will miss her shining personality and great kindness. Heaven is enriched with her presence.
Patty Tompkins
January 13, 2011
My friend where do I begin, you were so much fun. All the wonderful times we shared in taking those day trips. It did not take much for us to laugh and enjoy every minute we were together. The wonderful pictures you would take of us and put in albums of our trips, thank you I have them all. Thanks for those great memories of our times together and the laughs we shared. You will be greatly missed. Love Patty
January 10, 2011
I worked in the Dutchess County Courthouse for years and only knew Joan casually, but I always felt happy to see her walk toward me, she was such a delight to be around. The last time I saw her was outside of Barnes & Noble and she was happy and singing because she had recently purchased the soundtrack for Chicago and was listening to it over and over. I never saw a frown on her face, it was always a pleasure to run into her. Patty
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Sharron McFadden
January 8, 2011
Eddie, Joanie, Victoria & Lorilie,
We are so saddened to hear about Joan. I still can not comprehend it. I am so so happy that the 4 of you were able to attend Alishia's birthday party in August. We have those wonderful memories & pictures of all of you. It was special that the 2 of you were in our wedding as well.
We will absolutely miss her beyond comprehension and will always love her in our thoughts & prayers.
We were not able to attend today b/c of the weather & I am sorry for this.
God bless. With our most sincere sympathy & love to you all.
Dan, Sharron, Zack & Alishia
jean martinetto
January 8, 2011
Joan 39 years ago you welcomed me into this family with open arms, you were one of the first to do so many gave a handshake you gave a true hug that made me feel special. I thought Michael must be very special to you to give me such a hug. As time went by I new the hug was the love and caring you hold in your heart and was never afraid to share it I will miss you . Eddie Joanie and girls I am sorry for your loss may your memories keep your heart warm. I am sorry I didn't make it to the services the weather made me nervous Mike did go up and missed everyone, he did however get to say goodbye to Joan at the cematery. Our thoughts are with you God Bless Love Jean and Michael Martinetto
Thomas/Christine Pereira
January 7, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We are saddened by this news. Aunt Joan was a very special person to us. With all of our love, thoughts, prayers, and sympathy, Love, Tom, Christine, Tommy, and Michael Pereira
Bobbie Gordon
January 7, 2011
Joan, Victoria, Lorelei and Ed,
I am greatly saddened at Joan's death. What a lovely lady she was! She always had something good to say about everyone and she was so proud of you, her family. We will all miss her.
My prayers are with you.
Gail Laffin
January 7, 2011
I first met Joan when I was working in a dental office. When she would come in for her dental appointment, she would always ask me how I was and she always knew the right things to say. I also worked at Macy's and when I would see Joan, she would always tell me what a beautiful person I was. Yes, the world lost a star. I will always remember you Joan. Prayers to the family.
January 7, 2011
JJ...I was so very sorry to learn of your mom's passing. What wonderful memories you have of her. Her smile, her way of making one feel special. She will be missed. Linda LaPierre.
Wes Grady
January 7, 2011
I met Joan on my first day in Family Court, back in 1980. She brought a sparkle to the old Nelson House Annex as she did to every room she ever visited. Of all the attorneys, Judges and staff that I had the pleasure of meeting over the years, she and Judge Bernhard were at the very top of the list. A wonderful woman that I feel so very blessed to have known.
K S
January 7, 2011
I met Joan many years ago when I was the new kid on the block. She was always wonderful to me...like she was to everyone. When you knew Joan you knew she loved her family and you knew how to laugh! I'm sorry for your loss. Love your gorgeous frock Joanie Mac!
Pam Policastri
January 7, 2011
Mrs. McFadden was such a wonderful woman. As a child I looked up to her so much! I always appreciated her warmth and generosity, and I have fond memories of playing with Joanie at their home and at Mrs. M's office - what a treat it was when we got to visit! Mrs. McFadden took me to my first Broadway musical - Annie, with Joanie of course! - and I will never forget that. I don't have the words to say how much she meant to me.
Mr. McFadden, Joanie (I'm guessing you go by Joan now that you're grown up!) and your daughters, I'm sending hugs and condolences across the miles and will be thinking of you. Also my parents want you to know that if there is ANYTHING at all they can do, especially for your Dad since he's right down the street, they are happy to help. You can email my mom at [email protected] or me at [email protected]. Please take comfort in knowing how many lives she touched.
Elyse McLaughlin Mansfield
January 6, 2011
Dear Joan,
I am saddened to learn of your Mom's death. She was a lovely, lovely lady!! My condolences to you and Victoria and your younger daughter.
Elizabeth Gorman
January 6, 2011
What a honor it was to know such a remarkable woman. I delt with Joan for many years at Filene's/Macy's. She would always bring a smile to your face whenever she was in the store. Heaven definitely gained an angel because Joan was an angel here on earth. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
John Betz
January 6, 2011
If each of us acted half as kind and geneous as Joan did the world would be a perfect place. You were without a doubt the best customer I ever helped in all these years. We'll miss you.
Gloria Slater
January 6, 2011
My deepest condolences to you and your family; my prayers are with you.
Cathy Hastings
January 6, 2011
"It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." Heaven will now have more light with the presence of Joan. I first met Joan as a customer at the Lancome counter at Filene's and she became a great friend. We shared many nice lunches together. She never wanted to eat out on Saturdays as she wanted to be home for her husband. She loved her family dearly and was very proud of them. You look marvelous Joan, RIP
Christian Cullen
January 6, 2011
Judge Bernhard put it best when he said "Here comes everybody's best friend," referring to Joan. She lit up everyone's life. She's God's best friend now.
Laura
January 6, 2011
Precious Joan, we are so saddened. An extraordinary woman who’s kind friendship with Alice, our Mother has touched the hearts of each of her girls through out the years.
"I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
May she take comfort and rest in the hands of the angles. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
"The Konyn Sisters"
Marlane Marji
January 5, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Ms. Joan Mcfadden, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Marlane Marji
Dutchesss Student
Allison R.
January 5, 2011
Joan was unforgettable. I haven't seen her in 2 decades, yet I will never forget her. She was one of my favorite customers at the Pastry Garden. We always looked forward to a visit from Joan, lighting-up the room with her smile and filling the room with her laughter. Rest in peace Joan. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Joanne A
January 5, 2011
I will miss Joan, her smile, cheer, and spunky personality! She always knew how to make me laugh and told me to always hang in their if i was having a bad day. I'll always remember her as giving and selfless, putting others before her. You're now in God's hands Joan. You will forever be in my heart!
Blanche Graff
January 5, 2011
Joan was such an exceptional, perfect example of a Lady...my friendship goes back to Victor's elementay and secondary school years...May she find Peace in the Arms of the Lord..My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones...
Gail Chianelli-Lamby
January 5, 2011
Joan was a regular customer of mine for years when I worked for Clinique. She loved cosmetics and wore them so well! She always lit up the department when she walked in. Everyone loved to see her! I will always remember her big smile! My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Steve K
January 5, 2011
Joan was the best. She helped me at the start of my career, and was a great friend . I will miss her. Steve K.
Norine Muhlfeld
January 5, 2011
As Jackie Gleason of the Honeymooners would say "Baby you're the Greatest" Joan you are a wonderful friend. I enjoyed our lunches with you. Our updates on the goings on at work and appreciate you filling in for me when I was on vacation. I'm so glad you enjoyed your belated birthday party just like Bill and Cathy enjoyed their anniversary party that I threw for the 3 of you in one shot. My cat Queen Niblet sends her love to you too.
Marcy Behr
January 5, 2011
Joan was a lady in every sense. Always gracious and cheerful no matter what the circumstances. Her family meant everything to her. I know she will watch over them.
Jackie Lamy
January 5, 2011
I would run into Joan at Adams or another store and I last saw Joan at a birthday party in July. Seeing Joan always made my day because she had something nice to say and was always so happy and friendly. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends
DONNA MCKAY
January 5, 2011
SHE WAS THE GREATEST. A SMILE THAT LIT UP THE WORLD.
Susan Burgin
January 5, 2011
Joan was just the nicest person ever. She could always bring a smile to a frowning face. My thoughts are with her family and many friends.
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