Joan Van Cott

Joan Van Cott, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. 

Joan was born in Oneida, New York to the late William J. Clark and Radcliffe (Balzer) Clark. She was the devoted wife of the late Donald M. Van Cott, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering commitment to one another. 

A proud and loving mother of seven children, Joan devoted her life to her family. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved, whether cheering from the sidelines at swim meets and sporting events, hosting family dinners, or simply enjoying time together at home. Her witty, quick, banter charmed many, including while challenging any teenager to a game of Pac-Man on Atari. Her dedication continued into the next generations, as she faithfully attended many of her 14 grandchildren’s events and celebrated every milestone with pride. 

Joan was an active and faithful member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Oneida, New York. She served as President of the Mothers Club, was a member of the Altar Rosary Society, and sang in the St. Patrick’s Choir. She was a member of two Sweet Adelines chapters in both Oneida and the Capital District, which won the National Championship.

In her younger years, Joan enjoyed swimming, playing tennis, dancing, and listening to music. She graduated from Stockbridge Valley High School and continued her education at Syracuse University as an English major. While at Syracuse, she met Donald on an arranged blind date. She also attended the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School as well. Professionally, she worked for many years at BOCES before turning her lifelong love of gardening and cooking into a career as a sous chef. After years of hosting dinner parties, Joan accepted an offer to cater a friend’s large Christmas Party. That party kicked off years of honing her cooking skills at The Chatham Candy Manor, Yaddo-The Artists Retreat, The Gideon Putnam House, and The Saratoga Race Course & Harness Racing. Her kitchen was always a place of warmth and abundance, and her talents in cooking, canning, and gardening nourished family and friends for decades.

Joan cherished a lifetime of summer vacations on Cape Cod, starting with her 1960 Honeymoon in Chatham, MA. at Mrs. Hunter’s Cottages, creating treasured memories that will endure for generations. 

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald Van Cott, and her son, William Van Cott.

Joan is survived by her children: Mary Alice (Joseph) Blair; Patrick (Lisa) Van Cott; John (Ben Iannitti) Van Cott; William (Rachel Lyons) Van Cott; Molly Van Cott; Margaret (Hakim) Jones; and Daniel (Amy) Van Cott. She was the adored grandmother of Elle (Zack Kundel) Van Cott; Taylor (Danielle) Van Cott; Nick Billingsley; Sean Van Cott; Melissa Van Cott; Riley Van Cott; Max Jones; Beatrice Jones; Donald Jones; Archie Jones; Ryan Van Cott; Amelia Lyons; Olivia Lyons; and Alex Van Cott. She was also the cherished great-grandmother of Murphy Therese Van Cott Kundel and Conor Joan Van Cott Kundel.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar, NY at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The family will receive friends at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that, like Joan, you plant a vegetable garden, prepare a meal for family and friends, or make a tomato sandwich with plenty of salt. 

To share a memory of Joan or leave a message of condolence for her family, please visit the online guestbook.