Joan M. Casper

Joan M. (Filkins) Casper, Age 84, of Norton, passed away after a long illness, on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Joan was born in Highland, NY and spent all of her childhood and pre-retirement adult life in that wonderful community surrounded by family and many friends.

Known as Joni to all, her early career was spent at IBM, where she worked in the Sales and PR departments in Kingston, NY and later in Newark, NJ. Joni became the go-to person for salesmen around the country who needed a specific color IBM Selectric typewriter. In the late 50's, if you had a Selectric at your desk in any color of the rainbow, chances are Joni had a hand in arranging it.

She married Bob Casper in 1959 and together they enjoyed many years of music, theater, adventure and family. After taking a brief amount of time off to have children, Joni returned to work to build a rewarding administrative career at SUNY New Paltz, ending her tenure there as the Executive Assistant to the Dean of Admissions. Wherever Joni went, others followed.

Her house was always open to anyone who wanted to share a thought or have a cup of tea. Due to Bob's music and teaching career, you never knew who would be at the dinner table – singers, thespians, international students who could not go home to celebrate holidays – everyone felt welcome and part of the family.

Joni believed in not being idle, even in her last days of life. She was committed to civic duties and held many volunteer responsibilities across a wide range of organizations, both in Highland, New Paltz, and in Norton. She was the best Nana in the world to her dear grandsons, Tyler and Sean, as well as to their extended group of friends. She dedicated the last 15 years of her life to help raise these two boys into the fine gentlemen they are today. We are so grateful to her for teaching us all to be curious, to never stop reading, and to climb the highest possible tree you can find!

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Robert, and her son, Jon. She is survived by her daughter Avery Casper-Filbin and her husband Tom of Westwood, MA, grandsons Tyler Casper of Colorado Springs, CO, and Sean Casper of Wilmington, NC, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Saturday, November 5th from 3:00-5:00 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp Street (Off Route 140, Taunton Street) Norton.

A service in celebration of her life will be held at the conclusion of visitation at 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Norton Friends of the Library, 68 East Main Street, Norton, MA 02766 would be appreciated.

To send her family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com