Joan K. Lazarus

At age 87 in Williamsville, NY. Joan was born in Buffalo, NY, November 30, 1933. She graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy and Sister’s Hospital School of Nursing. Joan maintained friendships with fellow classmates for years including the (in) famous Nurse’s Club. Joan is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Paul (Bob) Lazarus Sr.; her sister, Margaret (Robert Barone); children Katie (Patrick Gaglione), Liz Lazarus, and Paul, Jr. (Carolann); grandsons Joseph Gaglione (Lindsey Conkey), Michael Gaglione, and Carter Lazarus; great-grandsons Liam and Henry; and also many loving nieces, nephews and friends. She loved to read and travel. Joan and Bob participated in Elderhostel programs to continue lifelong learning. She had traveled to all 50 states as well as Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Joan enjoyed sewing and quilting. She made her daughters’ wedding gowns and much of her own beautiful clothing. Fortunate family and friends treasure the quilts and other handmade items they received over the years. Her passion for the outdoors and protecting the environment included gardening, involvement in the Buffalo Audubon Society, hiking and canoeing in the Adirondacks, and being a founding member of The Wild Center Museum in Tupper Lake, NY. Joan studied piano from a young age, fueling a love for music and the arts. She returned, with joy, to piano lessons in later years with friend and piano teacher Judy Pucula. She was also a longtime patron of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and it was always a delight to see Joan and Bob “cut a rug” on the dance floor. Her nursing career was broad, varied and adaptable to Bob’s moves with the US Navy. She was most proud of her role as a contract negotiator for the Red Cross Nurses, earning respect from both sides of the table. Services will be private with plans to come together next year when it is safe to gather. Donations in Joan’s memory to The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra or The Wild Center are welcomed. We will keep in our hearts, always, Joan’s favorite toast that she learned from her mother:

Here’s tae us, twas like us, damn few! Arrangements by PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME.

Please share your condolences at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com