Obituary of Joan E. Dodge

Joan E. Dodge, 88, passed away peacefully at Saratoga Hospital on March 4, 2019. Born in Schenectady, she was the daughter of the late John and Grace Engel. Joan grew up in Alplaus and was a 1949 graduate of Scotia High School. She went on to continue her education at SUNY Plattsburgh graduating in 1953 with a master’s degree in education. Joan married her beloved husband Henry Dodge on June 21,1953.  Joan began her teaching career at Shenendehowa School District and went on to work for many years at Draper School in Rotterdam as a high school Home Economics teacher. She retired in 1986. Joan loved raising her daughters, happy to bring them wherever they needed to go. Joan enjoyed attending shows at Proctor’s Theater, watching the baseball games at Babe Ruth, her flower gardens, playing in the Sunday night bowling league and watching Union College Hockey. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband, especially to the beach and reading any Danielle Steel books. Joan was a member of the Zonta Club, former member of the Bellevue Reformed Church and currently a member of the First Reformed Church of Scotia.  She loved her golden retrievers over the years. Above all she loved her family, enjoyed spending time with them and especially cherished her memories of Thanksgiving, surrounded by family.

In addition to her husband Henry Dodge, she is survived by her daughters Stefanie (the late Michael) Lotey and Amy (Tracy) Swearingen. Additionally, her grandchildren Christopher (Jennifer Parmon) Lotey, Jill (Christopher) Scharling, Tyler Swearingen and Jordan Swearingen, great-grandchild Silas Scharling, sister Janet (the late Donald) Cassavant and several nieces and nephews survive. Her best friend for many years Ruth Lesson also survives.

In addition to her parents, and son in law she was pre-deceased by her sister Rosemary Engel.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday March 6, 2019 from 1pm to 3pm at the Glenville Funeral Home 9 Glenridge Road Glenville. A service will follow at 3pm at the funeral home. Burial will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave, Scotia, NY 12302 or to any local animal shelter.