Joan Crocker Sheridan

Joan grew up on East River Road at Crocker Farms in Cortland, where she developed the values of hard work, compassion, and community that would guide her throughout her life. She was the beloved daughter of Robert L. Crocker and Muriel W. Crocker and grew up alongside her brother, Jeffrey Crocker.

Joan was a friend to everyone she met and lived a life defined by kindness, compassion, and generosity. She had a remarkable gift for bringing people together and approaching every situation with grace. Her warm smile, open heart, and genuine care for others made even strangers feel like lifelong friends. To know Joan was to experience unconditional kindness, and those who knew her will remember the lasting impact she had on their lives. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to use kindness to overcome any situation.

Joan was preceded in death by Joseph Michael Sheridan Sr., with whom she shared two beloved sons. She is survived by her sons, Joseph Michael Sheridan Jr. and Bryan Francis Sheridan (Brent), and by her cherished granddaughters, Claire Kiely Sheridan and Lilah Bennett Sheridan. Claire and Lilah were her beloved "girls," and being their grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life. She treasured every moment spent with them and loved them beyond measure. She is also survived by her brother Jeffrey Crocker (Madeline) & their family.

Throughout her life, Joan embraced opportunities to nurture both herself and others. She was a Reiki Master who enjoyed practicing Tai Chi, finding peace and balance through both. Joan also felt a special connection to the mountains of North Carolina and enjoyed learning about Cherokee traditions and culture. A talented artist and devoted animal lover, she especially enjoyed caring for dogs as a trusted dog sitter. She also cherished spending time at Owasco Lake and Puerto Rico fishing and being surrounded by family. She worked as an office administrator, where her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and love of order were evident in everything she did—from carefully maintained files to her ever-present sticky notes and paper clips.

Joan also gave generously of her time as a hospice volunteer, offering comfort, compassion, and dignity to those facing life's final journey. Her selfless service reflected the caring spirit that defined her life.

Family and friends will always remember Joan's welcoming home and the meals she lovingly prepared. Her legendary lasagna, pasta salad, angel food birthday cakes, and scalloped potatoes with ham brought loved ones together around the table and created treasured memories that will be shared for years to come.

Joan's legacy is one of love, kindness, service, and quiet strength. She leaves behind a family who adored her, friends whose lives were enriched by her compassion, and countless memories that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral Mass and Celebrations of Life

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Church in Cortland, New York, on Saturday, July 18, at 10:00 am, followed by a reception and Celebration of Life at the Cortland Elks Club. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

A second Celebration of Life will be held in Wilmington, North Carolina. The time and location will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke or the MCC Neuro-Oncology Dept at VCU Massey Cancer Center, organizations that were meaningful to Joan and her family.