Joan Stahlman

GLENMONT - Joan E. (Hadley) Stahlman, 81, died, Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at her home after a lengthy illness. Born in Albany on March 25, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Milton J. Hadley & Ruth Shafer Hadley. Joan was predeceased by her husband Donald C. Stahlman to whom she was married for over 33 years. Survivors include her children Deborah E. Jackson (Daniel L.) of Norwich, Charles H. Stahlman (Ellen M.) of Coeymans Hollow, Susan B. Rehder (Richard A.) of Averill Park; grandson Zachary C. Stahlman of Glenmont; sister Carol A. Dana & brother-in-law John J. Dana of Rensselaer; sister-in-law Barbara A. (Stahlman) Maxam of East Greenbush and nieces and nephews. Following her graduation from Van Rensselaer High School Joan attended SUNY at Oneonta graduating in 1959 with a Master of Science degree. She taught for almost 40 years for several school districts throughout the Capital Region including Red Mill, Van Rensselaer, Ravena Coeymans Selkirk and Averill Park. Joan retired in 2003 from Saint Teresa's of Avila School in Albany after teaching there for 29 years. Joan was a member of the First Reformed Church of Bethlehem where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She also was a member of many organizations including Fort Crailo Daughters of the American Revolution where she held the office of Regent several times, Order of the Eastern Star Philipine Chapter #256 & Genet Chapter #256 holding the office of Matron several times and District Deputy Grand Matron from 1986-1987, Ravena Grange #1457 where she enjoyed volunteering at their community dinners, Automobilists of the Upper Hudson Valley and Burden Lake Association. Joan was a charter member of the Bethlehem Historical Society, a naturalist instructor at Five Rivers Center in Delmar and she led the Youth Conservation Corps Trail Project in Ravena in 1978 & 1979. Joan enjoyed teaching children of all ages, summering at her camp on Burden Lake, a good book and traveling to the ocean each year. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 22, 2013 at 10am at the First Reformed Church of Bethlehem, 38 Church Road, Selkirk. Interment will be immediately following the funeral in Bloomingrove Cemetery, Defreestville. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, July 21, 2013 from 3 to 7pm at the First Reformed Church of Bethlehem. Those wishing to remember Joan in a special way may send a contribution to the First Reformed Church of Bethlehem Renovation Fund, 38 Church Road, Selkirk, NY 12158. The family extends a special thank you to Pastor Harlan Ratmeyer without whom Joan would not have begun her next journey so peacefully. Joan's children wish to express their deep appreciation to the Community Hospice of Albany County without whose unfailing help and support Joan would not have been allowed to leave this life with dignity.