Joan McLean

Nanny’s obituary

Our superhero was human after all. On April 25, 2021. Joan McLean (Snide), our beloved mom and Nanny joined the love of her life in heaven. We are comforted in knowing that our Dad and Papa was there to greet her and probably asked “what took you so long beautiful?”  Nanny was surrounded by her family who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives as she did—loving family, living faith and never missing a chance to dance.  Nanny was happiest when the house was full of friends and family and she had her apron on cooking in the kitchen.  No one left Nanny’s house hungry or wondering if they were loved.

She was born to Frank and Eldora Snide on March 25, 1938 in Mooers Forks, NY. After graduating from Keeseville High School she met her husband Donald McLean and together they had four children.  As an Air Force wife for almost 26 years she had her share of frequent moves. Nanny excelled at making sure every new house was a home. Once her children were all in school, she returned to school herself and excelled as a medical transcriptionist. Later, Nanny worked at Roundout Valley School District as an administrative secretary for many years.  Joan and Don also became realtors, which they enjoyed doing together.  But most of all she was an extraordinary mother and Nanny. 

Nanny loved cooking!!!  When not cooking she painted, opened a craft shop, loved shopping, gardening and word search puzzles. All of that and her nails were always perfectly polished.  Nanny saw her share of difficulties in her life especially the last several years while facing numerous medical challenges.  Always leading by example she exemplified strength, courage, humor, resilience and deep faith throughout. 

Joan is survived by her son, Mark McLean (Tammy); daughters, Cindy Thompson (Mike) and Dawn McLean (Sharon); grandchildren, Erin Shuley (Chris), Kara Hawkins (Brandon), Brad McLean, Bryan McLean (Erika); Farren Markworth (Nate), Tyler Del Giudice, Kaleigh Del Giudice; great-grandchildren, Grace, Andrew and Luke Shuley, Finley, Sawyer and Owen Hawkins, Colton O’Hea and Charlotte McLean.  Nanny is also survived by her sister Hilda Thornton; her sisters in law Alice Rezabek, Kathleen Kelahan, Shirley Snide, Imogene Snide and many nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Donald W. McLean Jr. and her son, Keith;

brothers, Herman, Jerome, Harvey, Ernest, Reginald, Walter and Willard; sisters, Gertrude, Leona, Patty and Anita. There is a big Snide party up above!

Calling hours will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday April 29, 2021 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, New York.

 A funeral service will be held at 9:30 am Friday April 30, 2021 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  Following the service there will be an internment at 11:00 am at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY 12871.

Due to the ongoing public health concerns of COVID-19 social distancing as well as mandatory wearing of a face mask is required.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends make donations to the American Porphyria Foundation, the America Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. 

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