Joan Templeton Austin Waldron, 88, of Catskill, NY, and South Yarmouth, MA, passed away

peacefully on Friday, November 28 after enjoying a week of telling stories, playing games and

making music in the company of dear family in Lansdale, PA.

She was born December 2, 1936, in Catskill, NY, the daughter of the late Walter Ayers Austin

and Isabella Burns Austin. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Arthur “Coach”

Waldron. She is survived by daughter Laurie (John Gigantelli) and granddaughters Hayley and

Caitlin; son Jeff (Wendy) and grandsons Austin and Shane; stepdaughter Shirley and

granddaughter Tara, great-grandson Malek and grandson John; and former son-in-law Mike Timmons. She is also

survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Joan loved learning and excelled in school. She attended a one-room schoolhouse during her

elementary years and graduated from Catskill High School in 1954 where she was active in

chorus, band, cheerleading, and tennis. She graduated with honors from New Paltz State

Teachers College in 1958 with a degree in Elementary Education and started her teaching

career in Saugerties. Joan paused her career while her children were young, but returned when

they became teenagers, teaching 2nd and 4th grade at Catskill Elementary School.

Joan delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and maintained an independent and

close relationship with each of them throughout her life. She was endlessly proud of their

accomplishments and attended many graduations, sports events and performances over the

years. She also cherished all her granddogs, who gave her numerous reasons to laugh and

supplied anecdotes to share.

Joan will be remembered for her love of music, mirth and laughter as well as her fierce

independence, strength of character, zest for games and practical jokes, competitive spirit,

passion for watching basketball, kindness, and extreme generosity. She was an accomplished

pianist but learned the tenor saxophone when she joined the New Horizons Band later in life.

She took great joy in being a member of the “Saxy Ladies” sub-group and hosted practices and

gatherings at her home. Her creativity extended beyond music; she possessed remarkable skill

with needlework and knitting and made countless handcrafted treasures for her family. She was

likewise an excellent cook best known and most appreciated for her delicious pies.

Joan made it her mission to embrace each day as an adventure, refusing to waste a single one.

She deeply loved her family and friends and will be dearly missed by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Horizons Band of Cape Cod with donations

payable to New Horizons Band of Cape Cod and mailed Attn: Mr Lawrence Gisetto, 25

Alderberry Road, Bourne, MA 02532; or to the Cairo Historical Society, by check to PO Box

803, Cairo, NY 12313, or call (518) 821-3852 for CC donations. Arrangements are under the

direction of the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, NY. The family plans to hold a

graveside service in the spring of 2026. Additional details will be announced once confirmed.

Please check the funeral home website for updated information.