Joan Rose Berneri, 93, Valatie NY, passed away on May 11, 2026 in Shaker Place Nursing and Rehab, Albany NY.

Joan was born August 11, 1932 in Brooklyn N.Y. She was raised in a loving family and was one of four siblings. She was a graduate of Franklin K, Lane High School. After graduation Joan worked at Wm. H. Wise and Company, a prolific book publisher in NYC. She then went into banking as a typist at Colonial Trust Bank in Manhattan. Though the bank changed hands several times, Joan remained a loyal employee. She became Branch Manager of several NYC Bank America branches and retired in 1997.

Joan was a jokester and loved a good laugh. She enjoyed a glass of Sangria, animals and shopping.

Joan loved dogs. She loved certain breeds and in true Joan fashion set out to own one of each. She is predeceased by Sam the Collie, her devoted Old English Sheepdog, Merrimist Sir Archibald, Archie to his friends and her two beloved West Highland White Terriers, Squire Anges McDuff, aka Duffie and Maggie.

Joan was a visionary doll crafter. Small or large, porcelain, or cloth, Joan loved breathing life into dolls. In retirement Joan became a Certified Doll Doctor, with accreditation through Doll Doctor's Association. She used her skills to create beautiful dolls that she would then sell at craft fairs.

Joan was a partitioner of St. John The Baptist Church in Valatie. It was here that she and her sister's would join The Elves. The Elves remained a large part of Joan's life till her very last day. Sending her heartfelt cards for all occasions and kind words. Joan cherished these small gifts and kept every card in a box on her bed stand.

While she was a lover of folk music, Gordon Lightfoot was Joan's favorite singer.

Joan is survived by her sister LouAnn Berneri. She is preceded in death by her sister Alice Berneri, Brother James Berneri, parents Adaline (Tassini) and Elmer Berneri

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Shaker Place for their friendship, love and kindness while Joan was in their care.

A mass will be held at St John's the Baptist Church in Valatie on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11AM followed by a graveside burial immediately after.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Moose Lodge Senior Pet Sanctuary, Castelton-On-Hudson, NY 12033. Mooselodgesps.org