Obituary of Joan M. Leneker

Mrs. Joan M. Leneker, 76, of Lafayette Street, Palatine Bridge, NY passed from this life on Saturday, November 24, 2007. She was born in Little Falls, NY on February 25, 1931 the daughter of the late Harlin and Dorcas Dillenbeck Devendorf.

 

Upon graduation from St. Johnsville Central Schools, she attended the Pratt Art Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Of recognition is the fact she attended the same Institute, majoring in art, as her mother, Dorcas Devendorf did before her. During this period from 1918-1922, the Institute was known as The New York School of Applied Design for Women.

 

Mrs. Leneker furthered her education at Oneonta State University earning a BS and MS Degree in Elementary Education. She taught for 20 years at the David H. Robbins Elementary School in St. Johnsville, NY, retiring in 1993.

 

She enjoyed many summers and travels to the Adirondacks, especially the family camp, built in 1927 at Stoner Lake, NY. She enjoyed and excelled at gardening, especially growing Champion Iris. She led by example and encouraged the personal and professional development of individuals, family and friends through her involvement with Community Theatre, Sunday School, Scouts and the American Foreign Exchange Program. Her lifelong membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution is rare, as her direct descendent lineage dates back to Lt. Colonel Peter Waggoner, NY who served in the Revolutionary War.

 

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Barton D. Leneker Of Palatine Bridge, NY; three sons, Joel B. Leneker of Monroe, CT, Lee W. Leneker of Palatine Bridge, NY and Daniel J. Leneker of Gloversville, NY.

 

Mrs. Leneker was predeceased by a son, Stephen T. Leneker in 1978 and her brother, Harlow Devendorf in 1993.

 

A funeral to celebrate the life of Joan M. Leneker will be held on Friday, November 30, 2007 at 11a.m. at the Reformed Church of Canajoharie, Front Street, with the Rev. Lisa Vander Wal officiating. Interment of cremated remains will follow at Canajoharie Falls Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 4 until 7 Thursday evening at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the charity of one's choice.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.

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