Obituary of Joan A. Benedict

Joan A. Benedict, 84, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2024.

She was born in Utica on May 29, 1940, a daughter of John and Laverna (Smith) Barker.  Joan was united in marriage to Allen H. Benedict on July 25, 1958.  They shared 57 years of love and devotion until Al’s passing on October 28, 2015.  Together they ran the Ye Olde Canal Shoppe for over 40 years.  Joan worked for Waterville Central Schools and the NYS Courts as a court clerk for many years.  Joan rarely sat idle, but if she did, it was with a James Patterson novel.  She was an avid reader who could read a book in one sitting.  Joan and Al were active board members of the Deansboro Cemetery Association for many years, as well as the Deansboro Congregational Church.  Joan was proud of her gardens and loved to can. She also loved to bake a variety of pies, cakes and cookies for friends and family. She was a past member of the Barton Hose Company Auxiliary and the Town of Marshall Zoning Board.  Joan was an avid fan of Clinton Hockey and Walton’s racing.  She followed and cheered on the 2“J” car.  She also enjoyed her travels with Gary and Alberta Howard.  Many fond memories were made with them and their children, Jason and Allison.

Joan will be missed by her two sons, Kevin Benedict and wife Gwen, and Keith Benedict and Polly Belfield; her beloved grandchildren, Amanda Neidhart-Maloney and her husband Mike, Jeremy Neidhart, Julie Benedict and her fiance Amos Hughes, and Blake Benedict and his fiancée Husmira; her great-grandchildren, Carter, Ja’Lana, and Laniyah;her brother, Oren Barker; her sisters Carol Koren and Sandy Stone and her husband Bob; and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, daughter Karen Neidhart, and her grandsons James Neidhart and Justin Benedict.  Her grandchildren meant the world to her and would do anything for them.

Private services will be held for the family.  She will be buried at Deansboro Cemetery.  Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service.

Please consider donations to Deansboro Cemetery Association in memory of Joan and Al’s commitment to the cemetery.