Obituary of Joan C. Herkenham

JOAN C. (REITHFORD) HERKENHAM

LOUDONVILLE - Joan Catherine Herkenham, 89, of Loudonville passed away peacefully at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, in Albany, on February 27, 2024 with loving family members by her side.

Joan was born in Albany to the late Madeline (Davis) and Harry Reithford. She grew up in North Albany, married Thomas Herkenham in 1958 and later moved to Loudonville where they would reside for over 55 years.

Joan is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas, her children, Mary Dawn (Mike Murphy) Herkenham, Susan Samson and Tom Herkenham and her grandchildren, Olivia and Julia Samson, Tom Murphy, and Natalie and Thomas Herkenham. Joan is also survived by her nieces Donna, Linda, Cathie and Maureen; her sister Madeline having predeceased her.

After graduating from Vincentian Institute, Joan was a teller at the National Commercial Bank and Trust Company and later the Schenectady Savings Bank as well as a secretary at Colonie Central High School. She was a parishioner of St. Pius X and St. Mary's in Albany and a lector at the St. Francis Chapel. Joan enjoyed hosting family and friends, going to daily Mass, and her family trips to Maine and Florida. She loved spending time with her grandchildren to whom she leaves a legacy of love and joy that will be forever treasured.

Joan was a resident of the Loudonville Assisted Living Residence and the family is grateful for those caring for her there. The family would especially like to thank the exceptional staff at St. Peter's Hospital 5th Floor and the Hospice Inn for their attentive and supportive care during Joan's brief illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at St. Pius X Church (Chapel), 23 Crumitie Rd., Loudonville, NY from 10:00 to 11:00 am followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am; Rite of Committal and internment to follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital at https://www.communityhospice.org/donate or the Alzheimer's Association Northeastern NY Chapter at https://www.alz.org/northeasternny.

Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home. For additional information please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.