Joan M. Piazza

ALBANY – Joan M. Piazza, 78, of Albany, passed away on Friday August 9, 2013 at her residence.

She was born in Albany and was the daughter of the late William and Angela Zumbo Bates. Joan (Mom) was a gifted person who enjoyed life and helping others.

She was always looking for ways to expand her mind, with subjects ranging from history to the healing arts. She was an avid reader, lover of the arts -specifically painters from the impressionist movement, and classical music. She was a collector of antiques.

Joan had a green thumb with a special connection with everything she grew. She loved her plants and flowers on her balcony overlooking Lincoln Park and the view of the Catskill Mountains.

Joan was an outstanding cook who enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. She was many things in her life. Joan was a waitress at the old Colonie Country Club and worked in retail at David's, Honingsbaum, Sherry's, M. Solomon Furs, and others.

Joan was an entrepreneur; she owned her own gift shops in Albany and sold antiques in the state of Vermont. After moving to Vermont, Joan continued helping others by cooking for the Meals on Wheels program in Arlington and volunteering to cook for the Wilson House in East Dorset.

Joan's last act of giving back to the city and community she loved and lived in was helping out with a book being written about the history of Albany.

Most of all, Mom was the devoted wife and loving mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother to all her children.

Rest in peace Mom you are now free.

Joan is the beloved wife of 60 years to Thomas E. Piazza. She is the Mother of Deborah (Joseph) Rowinski, Daniel (Maureen) Piazza, Thomas Piazza, Michael (Virginia) Piazza and MaryAngela Demczar. She is the sister of Jeanne Watkins and William (Vicki) Bates Jr. Joan is the grandmother of Jason (Renee) Seaburg, Douglas Seaburg, Danielle (Ralph) Viola, Chelsea, Samuel, Kyle and Thomasine Piazza, Jennifer, Nicholas, Christopher and Anthony Demczar. She is also survived by three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie. A service in celebration of Joan's life will follow at 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210 and The Wilson House, 378 Village ST, East Dorset, VT 05253 in memory of Joan M. Piazza.