Joan A. Sheffer

Albany – Joan A. Sheffer, 80, passed at home and was reunited with her husband George on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Joan was born May 4, 1940 in Albany, the oldest daughter of the late Arvin and Charlotte Dellehunt. She was raised and resided in Rensselaer most of her life. Joan was employed by the Rensselaer School District as a bus driver and later as a clerk in the City Treasurer’s office. Joan was instrumental in the creation and success of the Rensselaer Volunteer Ambulance Service. She was a Charter Member, held many offices including President, and was a leader in the efforts to construct the RVA Building on Third Street. A member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Van Rensselaer Star Chapter, she served as Worthy Matron in 1998 and 2005. She served the Grand Chapter of NY as District Deputy Grand Matron in 2004, Grand Color Bearer in 2007, and as Associate Grand Marshal in 2019. She was currently serving as Assistant Marshall in Van Rensselaer Star Chapter. Joan enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially nights out with the “SKI” club. She loved camping on the Schroon River since the 80’s, NASCAR and the annual Dover trip, and most dearly enjoyed celebrating holidays and birthdays with family. Survivors include her children; Stephen (Lorraine) Sheffer; Debra Tomasone; and Michael Sheffer; sisters Linda (Chris) Hoffman and Lois (Phil) DeJulio; brothers Alan (Jean) Dellehunt and David (Laura) Dellehunt; grandchildren Amy (Patrick) Mitchell; Stephen (Ajuna) Sheffer; Jennifer Sheffer; Katie (Jeff) Tomasone; and great grandchildren Alexa, Charlotte, Jackson, Nicole, Kaiden and Hunter; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and her beloved cat, Lady. Funeral services will be in the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer Monday morning at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Sunday at the funeral home from 2-5 PM. Interment will be in New Rural Cemetery, East Greenbush. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Menands.