Joan Marie Batson, 83, of Hopewell Junction, NY, died Friday morning at home of cancer. Born Joan White in Brooklyn, she moved to Staten Island in 1963. With five children and one on the way, she and her husband, John Batson were in need of more space. She resided on Staten Island until 2003 when she moved in with her daughter upstate.
Ms. Batson had many careers: she waitressed at the King's Arms Diner for many years, she was a home health aide, and she was a nanny. From 2003 until becoming ill she volunteered at the Sunshine Children's Home and Rehabilitation Center. She had many interests, but most of all she enjoyed time with her family. She measured her time by the birthdays, graduations, and weddings of her friends and family members. She was a kind, gentle, and loving woman who was always available to listen and to provide a helping hand to her loved ones.
She is survived by her six children, Jon, Deidra, Kevin, Kathy, Susan, and Michael and by eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
As per her wishes, there are no services planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sunshine Children's Home Rehabilitation Center, 15 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining, NY 10562