Joan E. Bedard, 73, a resident of Hopewell Junction since 1990 and previously of Raleigh, NC, died on February 9, 2018 at Mid Hudson Regional Hospital. She passed peacefully from this life in the arms of her husband, Paul Babiak.

Born on December 22, 1944 in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Joan was the daughter of Dr. Ludwig and Adele (Biganski) Schraut.

Joan was a psychotherapist for 25 years in Fishkill. She was a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and NY State Society for Clinical Social Work. She received her Bachelors in Psychology from Meredith College and her MSW from Adelphi University. She enjoyed skiing throughout Europe, swimming the tropical waters of the South Pacific, kayaking, bicycling, cooking, and reading mystery and adventure travel stories. Joan will be remembered for her big heart, generous spirit, zest for life, and enthusiasm for every adventure. She found her professional calling in life helping people within her clinical practice. Joan will be sorely missed by family, friends, and those she touched in her life.

Joan is survived by her husband, Dr. Paul Babiak of Hopewell Junction; her sisters, Susie Shope, Marilyn Schraut and Diane Ryan; her cousins, Bill Schraut, and Paul and Betty Schraut; and her in-laws, Johanna Babiak, Dr. John and Marian Babiak, and John Ryan.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 3-5 and 7-9pm at McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10am at the funeral home followed by entombment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s memory to any of the following three charitable organizations: The Aftermath: Surviving Psychopathy Foundation (http://aftermath-surviving-psychopathy.org), The Making Headway Foundation (http://makingheadway.org), or Planned Parenthood (https://www.plannedparenthood.org).

Please visit Joan’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.