Joan Barnes

Joan Barnes, 92, of the Beverwyck community in Slingerlands, New York, died on November 30, 2023 at the Eddy Village Green nursing home in Cohoes, New York, after a brief illness.

She was born on November 27, 1931 in Nashua, New Hampshire, the daughter of Leo Comolli and Evelyn (Wilkins) Comolli. An only child, she was raised in Milford, NH, graduating from Milford High School, Class of 1949. She was the first in her family to attend college and earned a BS in the relatively new field of Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire, Class of 1953. After a series of internships, she settled in Olean, New York, where she met the love of her life, Robert G. Barnes, Jr. They married in June of 1955 and moved to Meriden, Connecticut, where they raised their three children.

Surrounded by family and cousins, Joan enjoyed a happy childhood in Milford. Her Italian grandfather came to America as a stoneworker and sculptor, eventually bringing his whole family over. Joan's father Leo was athletic and passed the love of sports on to his daughter. Joan enjoyed watching sports more than anything else, whether it was football, baseball (the Red Sox, of course!), tennis, or basketball, most especially UConn's women's basketball team, whom she cheered on faithfully until the end of her life.

From her mother Joan learned the fine arts of homemaking and cooking, keeping a spotless and well-decorated home throughout her life. She was a beautiful, old-fashioned New England lady who always took pleasure in dressing well and presenting herself appropriately in every situation. But she was not stiff or unapproachable. She could be the life of the party and enjoyed theater, bridge, and gathering with friends and family. She and Bob especially loved listening and dancing to jazz and big band music throughout their 59 years of marriage.

Although she retired from occupational therapy after marrying and beginning a family, when her children were older she worked as a substitute teacher in the Meriden school system. She also volunteered at the hospital and in her church. She always had time to watch her children participate in sports and was an avid tennis player herself. The whole family enjoyed their yearly vacations at the Golden Horseshoe resort on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. When Bob retired they moved to Grantham, NH to live in the Eastman community, of which the whole family has fond memories.

Joan is predeceased by her husband Robert G. Barnes, Jr.

Surviving family members include her son David Barnes (Laura Trowbridge), daughter Nancy Eason (Donald), daughter Karen Moses (Bruce); six grandchildren, Bronwen Everett (Nathan), Brendan Eason (Bonnie), Cullen Eason (Kinsey), Julia Krah (Matthew), Ryan Trowbridge (Emily), and Alex Trowbridge; ten great grandchildren ages 10 to 1; and cousins and nieces and nephews in various locations.

A private graveside service will be held on Monday, December 4 at the Riverside Cemetery in Milford, NH. A memorial service will be held sometime in the future, location to be determined.

Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Beverwyck Scholarship Fund c/o Beverwyck, 40 Autumn Drive, Slingerlands, NY 12159.