Obituary of Joan Lorraine Keesler

Joan Lorraine Keesler, of White Lake, passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris, NY. She was 83. She was the daughter of the late Cranston Dauch and Florence Ellen Fredenberg, born on November 20, 1934 in Forestine, NY. She was the wife of Ernis C. Keesler who passed away in 1998. They were married for 46 years. Joan worked as a Teacher's Aid for Duggan School until her retirement. She also worked the summer programs at Bethel Summer Camp. In her free time she was an avid reader and especially loved visiting the Crawford Library in Monticello. She was a member of the White Lake Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for many years as well as a member of the Red Hats Society. Joan was a pillar of strength for all of those who knew her. Her life was built on the love she had for her family. She faced the myriad of challenges in her life with a positive attitude and the youthful energy and vigor that defined her as a person. She always had time to read a book to her grandchildren or hand out a lollipop to her great grand-children. She was never too busy to take a phone call, or chat over a cup of coffee. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her, she will be sorely missed. She is survived by her children: Robert Keesler and Russell Keesler and his wife Jane of White Lake, William Keesler of Ft. Pierce, FL, Ellen Barsky and her husband Gary of Mongaup Valley, NY; grandchildren Rob Keesler and his wife Kelly, Shannon Berger and her husband Matt, Nicole Keesler and her husband Zach, Christina Keesler, Karen Ross and her husband Bruce, Katie, Will Keesler, Aaron Barsky, Jillian Wasserman and her husband Ethan; her 12 great-grandchildren; her siblings Herbert Dauch and Audrey Drasher; as well as her canine companion Baby. She is predeceased by her husband Ernis C. Keesler and two brothers Alton and Dennis Dauch. Memorial contributions in Joan's name can be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005. Funeral services were held privately, based on Joan's request, at Evergreen Cemetery. Rev. David Coon officiated. Arrangements under the care of Colonial-Ramsay Funeral Home, for further information call 845-583-5445 or visit www.colonialramsaysfuneralhome.com