Joan Jean Wathey

Joan Wathey (nee Catena) formerly of Woodbury, NY and Surprise, AZ passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 16, 2023 at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her husband of 72 years Walter W. Wathey and is survived by son’s Wes (Jan) of Huntington, NY; Scott, of Surprise, AZ and Drew (predeceased by Dede) of Phoenix, AZ. She is survived by grandchildren Christopher (Caroline) of Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Kimberly (Ben) of Philadelphia, PA; Kevin of Phoenix, AZ and Lauren of Los Angeles, CA. Great Grandchildren Reese, Campbell and Joseph and many nieces and nephews.

Born on August 2, 1927 in Manhattan, Joan was an original “Bobby Soxer” and a lifelong fan of Frank Sinatra. She earned both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education from NYU. She was a two-sport athlete for the Violets earning varsity letters in both basketball and lacrosse. Her career in education included physical education positions in the Huntington and Cold Spring Harbor School Districts as well as Farmingdale State College where she taught Phys Ed and coached volleyball. She also worked at United Airlines’ Red Carpet Room where she assisted VIP’s at JFK airport. “She was a very outgoing person and made friends with many of the celebrities of the day including Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Frank Gifford,” according to her son Wes.

Joan retired from teaching in 1979 and moved to Scottsdale, AZ where she continued her career in education in the Office of Admissions at Arizona State University. She continued to be involved in many community activities after her time at ASU.

She will be missed by all who knew her.

A private family ceremony to honor Joan will be held at a later date.

Condolences can be sent to [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or at dignitymemorial.com