Obituary of Joan E. Falk

Joan Beckley Falk, age 97, passed into the arms of the Lord, May 24, 2022. The daughter of Norman and Veronica Creegan Beckley, she was born September 19, 1924 in Suffern, N.Y. The family moved to Clinton in 1939 where Joan resided until 2013, when she joined her friends at the Sunset Wood Community, New Hartford. Joan attended Our Lady of Lourdes School and graduated from Utica Catholic Academy in 1941. On June 26, 1948 in Our Lady of Lourdes Church she was united in marriage to Gerard (Hud) Falk. A loving marriage of 49 years until Hud’s passing in 1997. Joan was a founding member of St. Thomas Church, New Hartford, active on many committees and served as Eucharistic Minister for several years. She was devoted to her Catholic faith, as a member of the Legion of Mary, Christ Child Society, Christian Women’s Club and Altar Rosary Society. She was very proud working 30 years as secretary/switchboard operator at the Presbyterian Home, retiring at the age of 83. Mom was a caring woman with a gentle spirit who never complained. Even on the tough days when asked, “How are you?” she would smile, “Fine and Dandy.” Her apple pie, macaroni salad and spaghetti with meatballs were unsurpassed. Surviving are 3 daughters and their husbands Donna and Richard Burkowicz, Gainesville, VA, Beth and John Meagher, New York Mills, Nancy and Robert McQueen, Clinton; a son-in-law David Dowling, Saratoga Springs; a daughter-in law, Linda Falk, Otego; brother-in-law William Falk, Clinton; sister-in-law Elizabeth Goldsmith, Utica; and special cousin Patricia Hemstrought, Sauquoit; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Joan was predeceased by her husband, daughter Maureen, daughter Mary Lourdes, son Thomas and brother Norman. The family wishes to thank the staff and many friends at Sunset Wood and her special caregivers at Live Long at Home with special acknowledgement to Bobbie, Katherine, Genevieve and Jaime. Thank you for all you have done for Mom through the years. Calling hours for Joan are Thursday, June 2, 4:00-6:00 pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Kevin Bunger, Friday, June 3 at 12:00 noon at the Church of the Annunciation, Clark Mills. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, St. Mary’s Ave., Clinton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, American Heart Association or the America Cancer Society.