Joan is survived by her loving partner and devoted caregiver of 37 years, Nina Schilling of Florida, three daughters Pamela McGrail (Mike Dambrosio), Lisa Smi (Nick) and Julie Natale, two brothers, Stanley Borden (Leah), Leonard Borden (Nancy), her sister Karen Donlon, her cousins Beverly Crotty
(Robert) and Doris Choinard Holdshoe, eight grand children Joshua, Elizabeth, Angela, Elliott, Jennifer, Aaron, Michael and Gloria, three great grand children and several nieces and nephews.
Joan was the daughter of the late Rose Borden and John Donlon Sr. and step-daughter of the late Raymond Borden. She was pre-deceased by her ex-husband, Thomas D. McGrail, a sister Christine Donlon and a brother John Donlon Jr.
She was an advocate of living life to its fullest and embraced each day with boundless energy. Joan was a snowbird and divided her time between family and friends in New York and Florida.
She was an animal lover. Joan enjoyed photography, making 8mm movies, fine art, adventure, baseball, boating, fishing and especially roller skating at Guptills Arena in Latham, NY. She knew that each day was a gift and treasured her time with loved ones. Joan endured her illness with great fortitude.
Joan valued education and was a graduate of St. Patrick’s School in Cohoes, NY and Shenendehowa High School where she was voted most athletic. She earned a secretarial degree from Mildred Elley.
Joan enjoyed a career as a realestate agent before earning her broker’s license. She retired from her second career with NYS after 20 years of service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan’s memory to the: Alzheimers Association National Headquarters 225 N Michigan Ave. Fl 17 Chicago, IL 60601. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com.
A memorial celebration to honor Joan’s life will be announced at a later date.
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