Joan M. Jenkins

Joan Marie (Moriello) Jenkins, 86, of New Paltz, NY, died peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Sunday, November 24, 2024. She was the daughter of Joseph and Betty (Ponessa)Moriello and loving wife of Ralph W. Jenkins, her husband of 63 years.

 She is survived by her husband; children Beth (Ken), Ralph (Teresa) and David (Sarah); grandchildren Sheila (Levi), Brian, and Jett; 2 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Joe (Kay) Moriello. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Tony (Sheila) Moriello.

Joan was born in Newburgh, NY, living there until her family moved to New Paltz when she was in elementary school. She attended St. Joseph Parochial School and New Paltz Central High School, graduating from State Teachers College of New Paltz with a B.S. in Elementary
Education in 1960. She spent her first year teaching at Gardinertown School. Then she taught at New Paltz Elementary School, later Duzine School, for the rest of her career, retiring in 2001. She taught in an Open Classroom for many of those years with Alice Ellis, who became a close personal friend to her and her family. Over the years, Joan made an indelible mark not only on her many students, but also on her fellow teachers - particularly as a mentor to the student teachers that joined her classroom as they completed their own education. 

Joan married the love of her life, Ralph, on June 24, 1961. They lived most of their married lives in New Paltz, in a loving, wonderful home on the edge of her family’s fruit farm. There she enjoyed gardening, cooking, and hosting many gatherings, both large and small, including Palm Sunday dinner with family and friends. Her infectious laughter filled the rooms of these family gatherings, most notably while helping to prepare (and later on, enjoy) holiday dinners.

She will be remembered as a warmhearted teacher and friend, always ready with a hug and kind words. Joan was very active with St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, serving on the parish council, volunteering in many ways, and joining the Columbiettes after retirement.

Joan loved to golf and enjoyed playing cards and similar games with her friends. She was an excellent cook but also loved dining out with friends and family. Joan was an amazing wife, mother, and friend. She and Ralph enjoyed many post-retirement trips, including memorable vacations to Italy and Germany. She loved visiting family and friends, including numerous trips to see her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She also showed love and compassion to her grandpups and grandkitties.

 In accordance with her wishes, a Memorial Mass will be held at 4pm on Sunday, April 13th, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in New Paltz. A Celebration of Life will be held following mass in the church hall.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to The German Shepherd Rescue of New York, Inc. (https://gsrny.org), whom she rarely missed a fundraiser for and/or The Special Olympics of New York (https://www.specialolympics-ny.org)