Joanne S. Whalen

Albany-Joanne Marie Snyder Whalen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, nurse, musician, poet, and friend, entered into eternal life peacefully surrounded by her family on May 6. She was the devoted wife of 62 years to Dr. Michael B. Whalen and a cherished mother to Dr. Elizabeth Whalen (Dr. Peter Duffy), Michael (Molly) Whalen, and Maura Whalen (Michael Creaser). Joanne was a loving grandmother to Annabelle, Declan, and Johanna Duffy; Clara, Michael, and Joseph Whalen; and Liam, Justin, Gavin, and Brendan Creaser. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Denis Whalen, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Elizabeth McCarthy Snyder and Frank W. Snyder; her brother, Frank Snyder Jr.; her sister, Marcia (Russell) Snyder Hawthorne; her nieces Terry Hawthorne Nan, Jennifer Joanne Hawthorne, and Mary Ann Allen; her brother-in-law, Hon. Thomas Whalen; and her sisters-in-law, Carolyn (John) Gaynor and Mary Pat (Thomas) Devane. Born in Albany and a proud fifth generation Albany resident, Joanne was a graduate of Vincentian High School and the Saint Peter’s Hospital School of Nursing (Class of 1963). In 1991, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Anthropology from the State University of New York at Albany. Joanne worked as a staff nurse on the float team at St. Peter’s Hospital, balancing her professional work with the joy and responsibility of raising her three children in Albany. She also volunteered with the Medical Auxiliary, contributed to the American Red Cross, and taught English as a Second Language to hospital staff. She was a parishioner of Mater Christi church and had a special devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux. In addition to her nursing career, Joanne was a gifted classical/flamenco guitarist and a published poet, authoring three books of poetry. She was a proud member of the W.W. Writing Group, finding deep connection and inspiration among its members. Joanne was passionate about travel and adventure. She and her husband- high school sweethearts, began their married life together in Galway, Ireland, in the mid-1960s and lived there for 4 years while Mike studied medicine. Their shared love of music—especially jazz—infused their marriage and family life. Joanne also found joy and serenity on Anna Maria Island in Florida, the Florida Keys and enjoyed many travels to the Caribbean, Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Mexico, Hawaii. She especially loved spending time at her family’s cottage on Schroon Lake, where she loved passing afternoons on her porch, appreciating a gentle breeze and gathering strength from the mountains. During the pandemic, she created joyful memories for her grandchildren by hosting socially distanced “pink martini” dance parties in her backyard. Joanne cultivated very special relationships with all her family and many friends, and particularly her ten grandchildren. She was interested and invested in all they did and was famous for her Sunday night texts- individual and creative messages for each grandchild which brought much joy. Joanne’s wit, intellect, and unshakable love for her family shaped the lives of everyone who knew her. She inspired a passion for lifelong learning, creative expression, and adventure. Her family is deeply grateful for the legacy of love, humor, and wisdom she leaves behind. She will be missed beyond measure, and her memory will continue to guide and uplift those who loved her. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joanne’s family Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell Street (Rev Kenneth J. Doyle Way), Albany, NY 12208. Her funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 pm. The Rite of Committal will be held in St. Agnes Cemetery Menands, NY immediately following the Mass. Those wishing to remember Joanne in a special way may send a contribution to Breakthrough T1D to support research and efforts for Type 1 Diabetes at www.breakthrought1d.org. To leave a message for the family or view other helpful services please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Joanne S. Whalen

March 18, 1941 - May 6, 2025