RUTLAND - Joan A. Nack, 94, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, in the comfort of her home. She was born on October 18, 1930, to the late Harold and Olga (Christensen) Thaule in Harrison, NY. For a time in her youth, she lived in Bergen, Norway, tracing her Norwegian roots back to Leif Erikson and Erik the Red.
Raised in New Rochelle, NY, Joan attended local schools and graduated from Isaac Young High School before furthering her education at Quinsigamond Community College. In her younger years, she graced the stage with her operatic talent in New York City, even recording her own music. Her love for the arts extended to her time working with a musical agent for Off-Off Broadway productions.
Joan married the love of her life, Lawrence R. Nack, and together they welcomed two daughters, Deborah and Pamela. Joan balanced her family life with a career as an office manager for several companies.
A woman of faith, Joan attended Trinity Episcopal Church in New Rochelle, where she sang in the choir until her family moved to Rutland in 1967. She then joined St. John's Episcopal Church in Worcester, continuing her passion for music in their choir. Joan cherished family vacations to Disney World, and she and Larry shared a love of cruises, exploring destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean Islands. Joan's commitment to community led her to become a Girl Scout leader in Harrison, NY, and a member of the Blue Slipper Court #18, Order of the Amaranth in Rutland.
Predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Lawrence R. Nack, her parents, siblings Kenneth Thaule, Norma Rought, and Gertrude Riccio, and her grandson, Scott Kennedy.
Joan is survived by her daughters, Deborah H. Kennedy Derrick of Rutland and Pamela M. Jolicoeur and her husband Jay of Holden, her grandchildren Heather Kennedy, Nate Kennedy, Timothy Derrick, Cameron Derrick, Adam Jolicoeur, and Brittany Jolicoeur Greene and her great-grandchildren Ashley Blum, Hayley Blum, James Jolicoeur, and Benjamin Greene.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joan's name to the Parkinson's Foundation (
https://www.parkinson.org/
).
The family extends their gratitude to the caregivers and staff at the Jewish Healthcare Center Hospice for their compassionate care. Funeral services will be held privately at the family's convenience.
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