Joanne Mcgrain

Joanne McGrain's long and difficult journey ended peacefully with her daughter by her side on September 24, 2015.

She was born on July 8, 1930 in Tupper Lake, New York and was the daughter of the late Lula Girard and Stanley Clark. She moved to Saranac Lake in 1950 when she married William "Bub" McGrain and lived there until 2008 at which time she moved to New Jersey to be closer to her daughter.

In addition to being a wonderful homemaker, Joanne had a long and successful career as an executive secretary. She graduated with honors from the Central City Business Institute in Syracuse, New York and started her career at the then Conservation Department located in Raybrook, New York. It later became the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation where she continued working until her retirement. She had many close colleagues and enjoyed every day at work.

Following retirement, she traveled extensively, sharing many memorable trips with her daughter. But, whenever she was away, as much as she enjoyed it, she would always be excited to return to “her” beloved Adirondacks knowing she was truly home.

Not being a person to have an idle moment, she decided to take a part-time job at the Adirondack Trading Company where she was able to socialize with all the locals and tourists helping them to find that perfect item. Joanne loved to shop and was a master at it. Working in the store also allowed her the opportunity to promote the beauty and wonder of Saranac Lake and the rest of the Adirondacks.

Joanne loved nature and the outdoors and took advantage of all the area had to offer. Whether it was in a boat on the lake, in the woods or a long walk in the snow, she was in her element and always had a smile on her face. Where there was sun, Joanne was basking in it. Having a tan almost year round in the Adirondacks is almost an impossibility but she would find the sun even in the winter. Laying on her outdoor roof patio on Petrova Avenue, in her lawn chair on the lawn, or on a Florida beach, she always had her sunglasses on ready to feel the sun on her face.

Where there was music Joanne was dancing. She was voted "best dancer" in her senior year of high school and, in their younger years, she and Bub would dance every opportunity they got. They were a joy to watch when doing the jitterbug.

She loved to knit and was so skilled that she never had to look at the piece she was working on. That allowed her to enjoy the views as someone else was driving, watch a movie on T.V., or have a discussion with someone without ever losing eye contact with them. Her family and many others had years of wonderful hand knit sweaters and argyle socks which came in handy during the long, cold Adirondack winters.

Joanne was a Lady of the Elks, a member of the Catholic Daughters and active in her church. She served as a volunteer for High Peaks Hospice and did many good deeds too numerous to list.

While she cared for all, there was nothing in this world more important to her than her family who were the center of her universe. She is survived by her best friend and daughter, Luanne McGrain and her husband Eric Brauer, her son Stan McGrain, her granddaughter Casey McGrain and her fiancé Matt Hess, her grandson Kyle McGrain and her loyal cousin and friend, Diane Rendle. Her husband, William "Bub" McGrain predeceased her on January 17, 2015.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Monday, September 28, 2015 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at St. Bernard’s Church, with Rev. Patrick Ratigan officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Tupper Lake, New York.

Friends wishing to remember Joanne McGrain may make memorial contributions to High Peaks Hospice. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.