Joan Margaret Elg

Joan Margaret (Dreyfus) Elg of Congers, NY, 87 years old, passed away on April 6, 2026. Joan was born in Nyack, NY to Jeanette and August Dreyfus on February 21, 1939. She graduated from Congers High School and attended the Katharine Gibbs School and SUNY Oswego. Joan married David Elg in 1962 and made Congers their home.

She is survived by her son Christopher (Roseanne) and daughters Bonnie McDonald (Ed) and Aimee Dick (Jim) and daughter-in-law Linda Elg.

She is also survived by her nine grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Eric (Kailynn), Langley, and Isabella Elg, Amanda Koch (George), Brian and Katie McDonald and Jaycie, Kyle, and Ryan Dick are all very proud to have called her Mimi. She was also extremely proud to have recently added a great grandson to her growing family, George Koch. She is also survived by her favorite (and only) nephew Dick Cassetti (Pauline), and nieces Jaye Pepping (Gerry), Jill Solomon (Neil), and Vaune Gounder (Randy). She will be tremendously missed by all who knew her, including her many “adopted’ children and grandchildren.

She was predeceased in death by her husband of 57 years, David in 2019, her son Eric (34) who was called home to Heaven in 1998, and her beloved sister, Jean Cassetti in 2018. She has now been reunited with them in eternal peace.

She cherished every moment spent with her family, but nothing brought her more joy than the time she shared with her grandchildren. They never ceased to amaze her with their accomplishments, and she spoke of them with constant pride and admiration. Her love for them was deep and unwavering, and she celebrated not only their achievements, but the unique individuals they were becoming.

Joan was a long time and devoted member of the St. Paul’s Church Choir, very active in her children’s many activities to include being a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader, and very rarely missed a swim or diving meet. She was also known to host a very large Easter Egg Hunt for the neighborhood for many years which grew and eventually included the children of the original egg hunters.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially quilting, where she poured her creativity and care into every stitch. She had a special fondness for birds and flamingos, which always brought a smile to her face. She was well known and highly sought after for her macaroni and cheese recipe which very few have come close to replicating. She also believed that the journey mattered just as much as the destination, often choosing the scenic route on trips, no matter how many extra hours it added, just to take in the beauty around her.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3-7 PM at Higgins Funeral Home in Congers, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, 10 AM, at St. Paul’s Church, Congers, followed by interment at Gethsemane Cemetery, Rockland Lake, NY. Donations in her honor can be made to the Tunnels2Towers or Stand Up To Cancer. Lastly, Joan wanted this to be a celebration of life and as such asked that those attending consider wearing “bright” and “happy” colors in her honor.

Flowers can be sent to Higgins Funeral Home 113 Lake Rd. Congers, NY 10920