Joanne M. Orford, age 91, of Gouverneur, NY passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at her home under the loving care of her children and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.
Calling hours will be at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur on Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Her funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Hailesboro Cemetery.
Joanne was born on January 10, 1934 in Edwards, the daughter of the late Leone R. Watson and Evelyn R. Barraford Watson. She was a graduate of the Edwards Central School Class of 1951 as Class President and Valedictorian. She completed one year at Potsdam State University for Elementary Education. Joanne had also served as Tri-County Dairyland Princess for one year.
Joanne retired in June of 1989 from the Gouverneur Central School after working as a Teacher’s Aide for 11 years at Fowler Elementary. She had previously worked for G.E. in Syracuse, Wilson’s Restaurant in Gouverneur, and for Clark’s Dry Goods in Edwards.
She married Stanley E. Orford on September 25, 1954 at the Edwards Methodist Church. She joined him in Kentucky when he was stationed at Fort Knox with the 3rd Armored Division and in Germany from 1956-1957. The couple returned to Edwards and Gouverneur in 1957 and 1959. Stan passed away on May 2, 2025.
Joanne is survived by her 5 children; Joyce Orford, Valerie and Richard Robb, Laurie and David Harter, Diane and David Link, and Stanley II and Christopher Santo. She has 10 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 6 step great-grandchildren. Other survivors are her sisters-in-law, Vivian Tessmer, and Dorothy Orford; and several nieces and nephews.
Joanne is predeceased by her parents, Leone and Evelyn Watson; two brothers, Robert C. Watson and Rodrick C. Watson and a sister, Marlene Watson.
She was a loving, caring mother and grandmother to all her family and friends. While raising her family, she took an active role in the community. She was a member of the Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church, U.P.W. Leader and Sunday School Teacher. She was also active in the East Side School as the P.T.A. President and Council P.T.A. President as well as Classroom Tutor and room-mother.
Sylvia Lake was her summer home for over 60 years. She served as the Secretary and Director of the Sylvia Lake Association, served on the Nominating Committee for several years as well as Camp Representative, earning the Sylvia Lake Outstanding Contributions Award in 2008 along with her husband. In addition, they served as the Grand Marshals of the 2021 Sylvia Lake Boat Parade. Joanne also served on the Sylvia Lake Sailing Club Committee.
In retirement she enjoyed 17 winters in Tucson, AZ attending VW shows, bowling and golf tournaments in Tucson and Dove Mountain, AZ. More recently she had enjoyed photography, playing Tri-Ominos with her family, picture puzzles and reading as well as special time with family and friends.
Her words to you are, “Always remember me with a smile.”
Donations in memory of Joanne may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be made online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.