Joan Margaret Vande Vaarst, age 91 and a resident of Tafton for 29 years, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, William Vande Vaarst, in 2022.

Born March 29, 1932, in Elizabeth, NJ, Joan was the daughter of the late Jacob and Matilda (Reese) Eberhardt. Formerly of Wayne, NJ, she had been a homemaker as well as an insurance claims examiner.

She loved to play bridge and traveled the world with her husband. Her gardens were her pride and joy and she adored her grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her children Wendy Walter and husband Bob, Denise Baker and husband Jerry, and Guy Vande Vaarst and partner Dawn DelMonico; grandchildren Robert Walter Jr., Ryan Walter, Kyle Baker, Keith Baker, Maxine Vande Vaarst, and Eric Vande Vaarst; and six great grandchildren. In addition, she is predeceased by Guy’s late wife, Lauren.

Private cremation will be held at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 1 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Hawley.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 DannyThomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Www.stjude.org or Shriner's Hospital for Children at www.Shrinerschildrens.org.