Joan M Babcock

Born in the Bronx on August 16, 1948, Joan was the middle daughter of Robert and Beatrice Fitzsimmons. She graduated from Aquinas High School before attending SUNY Albany. There she met Alan Babcock, the love of her life and husband of 51 years. At Albany, she was an exceptional student, earning undergraduate and multiple graduate degrees in education.

Over a 40-year career in education, Joan enriched the lives of countless young people. Having started her teaching career in Ardsley, NY, she later became a junior high school principal across the country at Saint Michael's Elementary School when her family moved to Beverly Hills. After returning to Rye, New York, with her family, she held the position of principal of the Rye Neck Elementary School for many years. She was highly respected and loved by her peers, students, and parents.

One of Joan's favorite pastimes was jewelry creation. She was an accomplished jewelry designer, concentrating in silversmithing, cloisonne metalwork, and stain glass design and fabrication. She was devoted to her three grandsons, Henry, Wesley, and Danny. She traveled the world with her beloved husband and family; Lake Como and Paris held very special places in her heart.

In the words of her family, "There was no one like Joan. Her heart was full of love; her laugh was infectious, and her strength, faith, kindness, and generosity were unequaled. Her fortitude in the face of devastating adversity and her deep love for her family were an inspiration to all who knew her. Our lives are greatly diminished by her passing."

Joan is survived by her husband, Alan; her children, Ryan and Christine; her two sisters, Lorraine and Pat; and her three grandsons.

Her family is planning a celebration of her life at The Riverside Memorial Chapel on Sunday, January 29th, 2023 at 3pm.