Joan Elaine Simard

Joan Elaine Simard, 78, from Plattsburgh, N.Y., died suddenly on July 29, 2021, in her home surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born Jan. 20, 1943, in Cobleskill, N.Y.
Joan is survived by her husband of 58 years, Albert Simard Jr. Apparently his whistle and pick up line of "Hey football shoulders" really wooed her, or perhaps it was their love of Elvis, Tiptoeing Through the Tulips, and the twist!
She is also survived by her daughter, Dr. Denise Simard (Dr. Lori Dandrow); grandson Tyrese Simard-Dandrow; siblings Ruth Slater (Lee) and Alan Tillapuagh (Nancy); numerous nieces and nephews; and a world full of friends. Joan was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Irene Tillapaugh (Mickle); sisters Evelyn Arnold and Anne Broadwell (Charles).
Joan was one of the kindest and most giving people. It was these traits that drew her to become a Teaching Assistant (TA) in Mineville, N.Y. After retiring from CVES, she worked on the Roll Ramp at International Paper in Ticonderoga, N.Y.
There is comfort knowing her last day was full and exemplified who she was. She woke and made a quiche for Lori and Denise, heard the words "I love you" from Ty whom she adored, visited with the ladies, used her trusty leaf blower to clean up scattered acorns off the street from a downed tree limb; and capped off the day by having dinner with Al and their dear friends.
Memories to keep the story of Joan alive:
...Joan took charge. She was the matriarch of the family-well actually she may have been the matriarch of many families!
...Grandma has taught me not to take people for granted, but to embrace and cherish them while I can.
...She was never too busy to listen. She took the time to hear people and help them solve their problems. She was never short on advice-whether you wanted it or not. You knew she heard you because she would check in or offer a heartfelt gesture of care.
...Joan could be all business and had a work ethic that was unmatched. I'll always carry so many memories of watching her fly around the house and just always be doing something.
...Joan would try to lighten a moment, when we were stressed about getting the COVID vaccine she used the guise of "getting ice cream" to get us there. She loved to make people feel better.
...Joan was such a giving person. She watched our house while we were away; when she picked us up at the airport, she had the largest care package ever. Not only did she have coffee, hot chocolate, muffins, and goulash; but also boots, snow shovel and heavy coats because it was a winter day and the weather was bad. We just couldn't believe it.
...Joan had high expectations and let you know if they were not met. While in a department store, there was not an associate to be found, Joan proceeded to blurt out, "This place has gone to the dogs," this was our cue to walk away!
...Joan was a terrific cook, with the exception of beer and hot dogs in the crock pot. A delicacy that went wrong...we all went to bed hungry. She was the host of many gatherings and no one went hungry. If we could not make it, no problem, she would prepare a meal to go and deliver it...complete with appetizers, dessert, and wine!
...Every time we went to visit we always went home with a care package. Maybe she thought I couldn't cook, but I can I just don't like to.
...Mama Joan was the most caring, generous, unselfish individual I ever met next to my birth mother. She treated me like the queen I want to be!
...Joan loved to laugh and given her notoriety for feeding many, she was also able to be an accomplice on practical jokes involving sponge cakes...made with real sponges!
...Joan could be considered the social director and chauffeur for the ladies' road trips. She always took a detour to explore different routes to and from the intended destination. Fortunately we always found our way home.
...Joan was just a great sister. As a very young girl she had trouble with some words. One was brother so she always called me bubby. She knew I didn't like it, so she would call for no reason just to get under my skin. We also fought a lot. She was getting the best of me, so I bit her and I had a cap on my front tooth and it broke; our mom was not pleased. She always was my protector even after I was an adult.
...I remember staying at Aunt Joan's house in the summer when I was younger - using my first fishing pole, catching my first fish while hating the worms on the hook. I'll never forget that she made me a cassette tape of all of the songs from Annie and I swear I wore that tape out listening to it on repeat at home!
...When the kids had our 50th anniversary party we were babysitting all afternoon for our 3-year-old grandson who would not take a nap, then on the way to the party, he fell asleep. Aunt Joan to the rescue! He slept on her shoulder for the next hour or so. She was always there when we needed her.
...Joan was authentic with no bells and frills; she was always her beautiful self-no pretense and truly always spoke her truth!
As per Joan's wishes there are no services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the JCEO Food Pantry at 54 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518-561-6310) or go out and make a difference in someone else's day, because those who knew her know she was happiest when helping others.
Brown Funeral Home is entrusted to handle all arrangements. Online condolences, stories, or memories may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.