Mary Joan Van Kampen

1929 - 2025

Van Kampen,
Mary Joan
WATERVLIET - Mary Joan (nee Nertney) Van Kampen passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, at her home. Born on April 28, 1929, in Cohoes, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Arthur F. and Mary E. (Tunney) Nertney. She was a proud graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names and the College of St. Rose and received her M.Ed. from SUNY Oneonta.
Mary Joan was a teacher for many years, first in the Cohoes school system, then for a stint in Syracuse. She temporarily retired to raise her family and devote herself to becoming a homemaker, before returning to the profession. She served as the number one substitute teacher in the North Colonie elementary school system until her permanent retirement in 1992.
Her retirement years were active as well. After travelling with her husband all over the United States, retirement saw her expand her trips to Europe. She particularly loved travelling with her Holy Names alumni group.
Mary Joan was the quintessential homemaker, tackling a variety of arts and crafts, cooking and sewing. Her knitting skills graced the backs of all of her children and grandchildren. There was no cuisine or project that she didn't face head on with enthusiasm – even her decoupage phase.
She loved to throw a party and her home on Fiddler's Lane was the default gathering spot for all holidays, bridal showers, birthday shindigs, or just a family barbeque. Apron clad and martini in hand, she would dispense her "pearls of wisdom" to family and friends alike.
She and her husband, Peter, were lifetime members of Wolfert's Roost Country Club, where they were Friday night and Sunday Brunch regulars. Friday night date night was sacrosanct.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Pete Van Kampen; her children, Beth Mahar, Katherine Czelusniak (Jim), Joan Lemme (Ralph), Peter A. Van Kampen (Juliet); her grandchildren, Anne Braim (Chris), Colin Mahar, Meghan Lemme, Jennifer Doud (Connor), Nicholas Van Kampen, Theodore Van Kampen, Daniel Lemme and Gregory Van Kampen; her great-grandchildren, Emerson and Valerie Braim. In addition to her parents, Mary Joan was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Richard Van Kampen.
Mary Joan's family would like to express their deep gratitude to her caregivers, especially Nicole and Carly.
Services will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025. Calling hours will take place at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow beginning at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Latham, with Reverend Geoffrey Burke, celebrant. Mary Joan will be laid to rest at St. Agnes Cemetery, Cohoes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bleeding Disorders Association of Northeastern New York by visiting www.bdaneny.org
For further information or to leave a message for Mary Joan's family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com