Joan K. Chapman, an area resident since 1951, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2021 at Wingate at Dutchess. She was 94 years old.

Joan was born on September 9, 1926 in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of Albert and Alice Koontz. Joan attended the University of Pittsburgh where she met her future husband. She graduated with a chemistry degree at a time when this was not the traditional path for women. She then worked as a chemist at Westinghouse. Being one of the few female chemists there, she joked of wearing glasses to help earn the respect of her mostly male colleagues.

Joan moved to Poughkeepsie, NY in the early 1950s with her husband, where they started their family. She was a loving mother to three children. Tragically, Joan survived the passing of two of her children during her lifetime. Despite these devastating losses, she was always a positive and kindhearted person. She never lost her faith, and that faith was what carried her through and made her an inspiration to others.

Joan was giving of her talents, spending much of her time volunteering. She was very involved with Trinity United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels, school PTAs, and was both a Girl Scout Troop Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother.

Joan enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She could often be found on her back porch working on her latest piece while listening to Classical music or Big Band, another favorite past-time of hers. Joan enjoyed cooking delicious recipes for her family, whether it was Saturday dinner with her grandkids or hosting 25 guests each Thanksgiving. Joan was also an avid traveler, having visited 50 states and Europe. They enjoyed many of these trips with their travel companions who happened to be her sister and brother-in-law, Marion and Ralph Spencer.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Robert Chapman; her children, Audrey and Kevin Chapman; and her sister, Mary Marshall. She is survived by her son, Kenneth Chapman and his wife Patricia; her grandchildren, Kellen and Brooke Chapman, Kirstin and John May; and her great-grandchildren, Maggie, Sadie and Jameson May, Dillinger and Audreyna Chapman.

A private Memorial Service is being planned at this time. Memorial Donations can be made to the Fishkill United Methodist Church, 38 Broad Street, Fishkill, NY 12524.