Joan M. Hlad

LOWVILLE- Joan M. Hlad, 94, passed away at home in her favorite place “her kitchen”, on Thursday, March 19th.

Joan was born November 22, 1931 in Lowville, NY  to Gladys (Strife) and George Haley. She attended and graduated from Lowville Academy Central School in 1949.  She furthered her education at Plattsburg College earning a Bachelor Degree as a Registered Nurse.

She married the love of her life, Alexey Hlad on August 25, 1954 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Father Cotter officiating. Alexey passed away on August 25, 2010 on their 56th wedding anniversary.

Surviving are their five children and spouses: Diane and Dennis Stachowski; Arkport, NY, Alexey R. and Robbin (Spencer) Hlad, Lowville, NY, Michael and Charity (Gregory) Hlad, Lowville, NY, Jeanne (Hlad) and Ronald Sexton, Evans Mills, NY, Donald and Donna (Farney) Hlad, Lowville, NY. She has 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She is pre-deceased by her grandson Joshua A. R. Hlad.

In 1953 she started her nursing career as a school nurse at Beaver River School. While her children were young she was a substitute nurse at Lowville Academy. She continued her career at Lewis County General Hospital until her retirement in 1990. She managed the pediatric unit. Mom had a special gift to sooth any baby in need.

After retirement she began her new career as a faithful volunteer and manager at the Thrift Shop in Lowville for over 30 years serving the community she loved. She recently “retired” from the Thrift Shop stating that at age 94 she felt it was time.

Joan was an active member of St Peter’s church, serving in the capacity of a greeter and contributed many delicious meals and desserts for the parish community. Joan was deeply rooted in her faith.

Joan was a truly amazing and strong woman. She had endless love for her family. She always remembered everyone’s birthday and lavished them with gifts. She loved hosting all holidays in her home especially Christmas Eve, which was her most special time to entertain the family with dinner and gift giving. There were always enough gifts to fill a room.

Joan was also an avid hunter in her day bagging many deer. For small game she used a 22-caliber rifle that was gifted to her by her parents when she was 16 years old.

She enjoyed the outdoors with her family, snow shoeing, wheeler riding, and hiking. She was an avid gardener and was making plans for her vegetable and flower gardens for this summer. She believed that daily exercise and activity was the secret to a healthy long life. Joan was spunky, strong willed and no one could change her mind.  At the end of every day she enjoyed a glass of wine!

Above all she was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She will be dearly missed.

A funeral Mass will be said at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Lowville with Rev. Sony G. Pulickal, Pastor, officiating.  A reception at Lowville Fire Department will immediately follow the funeral Mass.  Any food donations may be taken directly to the Lowville Firehall after 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday.  Calling hours are from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc. 5702 Waters Road, Lowville, NY 13367.  Spring burial will be in West Lowville Rural Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter’s Church, 5457 Shady Ave., Lowville, NY 13367.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

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