Joan L. Wright

Mrs. Joan Lucy Mitrano Wright, age 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday evening, December 14, 2024. She was surrounded by the love of family during her last days on Earth.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Willis Wright, whom she’s missed every day since his passing in 2010. She was also predeceased by her father, Martin Mitrano, her mother, Ann Dunlap Higgins, and sisters Colleen and Mick.

Joan is survived by her siblings Ray Mitrano (predeceased by Donna), and Rita Buchanon; children Richard Wright (predeceased by Linda), Rodney Wright (Holly), and Susan Wright-O'Hara (William); and grandchildren Jessica Thompson (Tiffany), Dereck Wright (Andrina), Spencer Wright, Jeffrey Wright and Emily Wright. She will also be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and close family friends.

Joan was born in Somerville, MA in 1935. She was educated in local schools. Joan met the love of her life, Will, while he was on military leave in Boston. They were married in 1959. They spent 50 beautiful years together until his untimely passing in 2010.

The wife of a Chief Petty Officer, Joan and her family lived in various states before settling in Schoharie, NY. Joan retired from the Schoharie Central School District in 1997 after 25 years, where she held various positions. Her students knew her as a disciplinarian but they also made it their mission to get her to laugh, and she loved every moment of it.

For those who knew her, she had a tough exterior but was an extremely caring and giving person. She was also known for her sass and sarcastic quips. Joan was an avid animal lover who saved several animals through adoption throughout her life. She enjoyed gardening and always took pride in her many plants and flowers. Joan will be truly missed.

The family would like to thank those who cared for her during the last years of her life, including the staff at Ingersoll Place, and the nurses at The Community Hospice who eased her into the final phase of her life, while providing comfort to the family following her passing.

Calling hours will be held on Friday December 20th from 3 to 5pm at the White Van Buren Funeral Home, 1779 Main St., Delanson, followed by a service at 5pm. She will be interred in Esperance Cemetery in the springtime. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, 304 Howes Cave Rd, Howes Cave, NY 12092. Condolences can be posted at whitevanburenfh.com.