Joanne Meagher

Albany-
Joanne Meagher passed away Friday, July 28, 2023, with her loving family by her side. At the time of passing, one of her most treasured books was being read to her.

Joanne was absolutely devoted to her family. She made her role as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt an essential part of who she was.

Nothing brought her joy like her annual family Maine summer vacations, where she would spend time walking the Marginal Way holding hands with her granddaughters. That is, of course, except for the times when the family would gather in Disney World, because, 'There's always time for one more trip to Disney.'

Sunday dinners were special times for Joanne and her family. These weekly gatherings were always filled with laughter! And, of course, there was an occasional water fight.

Joanne thrived on creating magic for others. For more than forty years, she hosted an Annual Easter Egg Hunt hiding over a thousand eggs a year! She recruited (or more accurately, assigned) Ron to roast scores of hotdogs for the children.

She organized her days to attend so many sporting events, recitals, and school activities. She loved bearing witness and celebrating the accomplishments of others, especially those of her granddaughters.

Joanne and Ron enjoyed the outdoors together. They topped many of the Adirondack High Peaks, and even a few of them two times over! They always celebrated their achievement at the top, marveling at the view together, except for the times that it was fogged over! Multiple times a year, they would spend their time together exploring the backroads of Vermont, and yet, somehow, always ending up at the bookstore in Manchester.

Her love of books and reading was infectious. Her car was always filled with books! She filled her down time with reading. And, she had an uncanny ability to know the perfect book to recommend.

And then, there was Joanne, the woman who truly had the heart of an educator. Her passion for teaching started when she, herself, was in elementary school. She had her siblings play school on the front porch of their house, where Joanne, of course, was the teacher. She then moved from the porch to a classroom less than a mile away, teaching at Arbor Hill Elementary School for more than thirty years. There, she inspired a countless number of children for their love of reading and learning. Joanne volunteered for more than six years during retirement, continuing to share her love for books and reading with students. She made time to model the craft and art of education to any one who was willing to learn. Her educational philosophy and dedication will continue on through them.

She is predeceased by her parents, Francis and Betty (Smith) McCarthy; and her brother, Dennis Richard.

Joanne is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Ronald Meagher; daughter, Kelly Romani (Anthony); son, Michael Meagher; granddaughters, Kailyn and Jenna Romani; siblings, Sharon LaPier (Mark), Francis McCarthy (Patricia), Jackie Catalfamo (Michael) and Alan Richard.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 2nd, from 10AM to 1PM, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, with a service to follow at 1PM. Interment to follow the funeral ceremony at Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting a donation in her name to the Grassroot Givers. Part of their mission is to put books into the Albany community. And, knowing and loving Joanne, that is truly a mission worthy to champion.

Even more importantly, to truly honor her spirit, please continue putting kindness into this world.