Joan Poole Waterbury

With love and appreciation for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Joan Poole Waterbury, a beacon of strength, wisdom, and kindness.  Joan, of Oswego, NY, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, in Syracuse.

Born on January 18, 1931, in Hagerstown, Maryland, Joan was the daughter of Claude E. Poole and Isabelle C. Poole.  After graduating from Frostburg State University, her teaching career began at the Boonsboro, Maryland School District. In 1954, Joan married William C. Waterbury of Oswego, NY.  Residing in Oswego, they soon started their family; from there, life continued to bloom. After several years as a substitute teacher, Joan returned to full-time teaching in 1966 when she joined the faculty at Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Central School.  At APW she was a fifth grade teacher and later the district’s Reading Coordinator, a position she held until her retirement in 1996.  To this day, former students ask about her and share happy anecdotes about their time with her. In the early 1970s, as fate would have it, John (Jack) Kaple of Orwell, NY entered Mom’s world.  They became partners in life until he passed in 2021.  Together they loved to dance and were a stunning couple to behold as they moved effortlessly over the dance floor.  They also shared a love of canoeing and were Oswego Valley Railroad Association members.

Joan was fully engaged with the Oswego County community.  At various times across 50-plus years, she was a member, leader, or volunteer with the following organizations:  H. Lee White Maritime Museum, Oswego County Humane Society, Oswego Opera Theater, Friends of the Oswego Public Library, Mexico NY Historical Society, Delta Kappa Gamma, Oswego County Retired Teachers Association, and Oswego Winter Club (one of the oldest book clubs in the country). Additionally, Joan was a person of deep faith and at different times was an active member of the Mexico, New Haven, and Minetto Methodist Churches, always loving to sing in the choir and often featured in solos and at many weddings.

Joan was a loyal, supportive friend with a great sense of humor and a ready smile.  Her most relaxing free time occurred at the family cottages at Ramona Beach on Lake Ontario. She never tired of watching the lake and the spectacular sunsets.   Additionally, she enjoyed reading from her large pool of good books and listening to beautiful music from her diverse collection, including Broadway musicals, opera, and a wide variety of classical favorites.  Mom also enjoyed concerts at Breitbeck Park, and always appreciated a PJ’s ice cream cone!

Joan was the heart of our family.  She created a home full of warmth and laughter.  Her door was always open, her hugs always welcoming, and her loyalty to those she loved unwavering. To us, she was more than “Mom”, or “Gobbie.” She was our guiding light, our confidante, and our biggest cheerleader. Her lessons and wisdom will continue to guide our days, and her love will remain in our hearts always.

Joan was predeceased by her partner John (Jack) Kaple. She is survived by her three sons, Edwin (Robin), Douglas (Carol), James, and her daughter Lee, all of Oswego County; her precious grandchildren, Alexandra, Elizabeth (Paul), Isabella, and William; great-grandchildren, Paulie and Ella Karmas; and many more loving relatives and friends.

To celebrate Joan’s life, a memorial service will take place later this Spring at Page Memorial Chapel, Riverside Cemetery, Oswego NY.   The date and time will be published shortly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oswego County Humane Society, the H. Lee White Maritime Museum, the Oswego Public Library, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.   Thank-you.  Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.