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Joan C. Scott (nee Cleveland)

By LaVern Falcone

Rochester, NY – Joan C. Scott, 87, died of natural causes April 29, 2024, at her home in Rochester, NY.  Joan was born January 7, 1937, in Watertown, NY, the daughter of John H. Cleveland and Ermina Margaret Cleveland (née Bond)

Joan graduated from Watertown High School, Class of 1955. Following graduation, she attended SUNY Potsdam and was awarded a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, after which she taught kindergarten for several years. She married William B. Scott Jr. April 5, 1958, and they settled in New Hartford, NY. They moved to LeRoy, NY in 1968 and lived there until the passing of her husband, who died from cancer on August 13, 2017.  They were married for 59 years and had four children. 

Joan was an active parent with four children in the LeRoy Central School system. She advocated fiercely for resources to be available for children/students who were cognitively diverse, volunteered at the high school musicals, and was a LeRoy High School Band Mom. She was also an active member of both the LeRoy and Bergen United Methodist Churches. An avid fisherwoman, Joan could always be counted on to spread joy, share good humor, and was known for her own brand of witticisms. She was deeply caring, loved nature, especially bird watching, being up at the cabin, and her kids very much.

Surviving in addition to Joan’s companion/partner, Tom Ireland; are her son, William B. Scott III of Batavia, NY and his son, Brandon Scott of Tennessee; daughter, Suzanne E. Scott of Chicago, IL, and her husband, Hidemasa Yamakawa; son, David W. Scott of Fairport, NY, his ex-wife, Deborah B. Scott, and their two children, Nathan J. Scott and Julia R. Scott, both of Rochester, NY and son, Matthew B. Scott of Watertown, NY. She is also survived by her younger sister, Martha Leising (née Cleveland) of Webster, NY, her sisters-in-law, Peggy Cleveland of Watertown, NY, and Pam Cleveland of Tampa, FL.

A service of remembrance will be scheduled for the summer of 2024 in Sackets Harbor, NY.

Your memories and condolences may be shared with Joan’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com

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