Joan Gillespie Gantner

Joan Gillespie Gantner passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on August 7, 1939, she was a lifelong resident of Pine Bush, New York. She is survived by her daughter Linda Doty and husband Mark, her son Richard Gantner and wife Carla, four cherished granddaughters and their husbands—Casey and Ryan Bannon, Amy and Brian Sullivan, Amber and Mack Kilkeary, and Chelsea and Len Lilley—along with five great-grandchildren, Cole and Parker Bannon, Aisla and Shay Kilkeary, and Finn Sullivan, and five foster great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Lorraine Gihr and husband Jim, several nieces and nephews, and her beloved friend and companion, Richard Smith Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Thelma Gillespie, and her sister Joyce Laurent.

Joan devoted her life to her family, of whom she was deeply proud. She found her greatest joy in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren live loving and happy lives. A longtime and active member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church, she served as a Deacon and in many other roles. In her leisure time she enjoyed sewing, crafting, and working crossword puzzles. In her later years she could often be found sitting in the sunshine on her porch, warmly greeting neighbors, friends, and family who stopped by.

Joan’s love and friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew her.