Joan M. (Middlebrooks) Waldrop

Joan Middlebrooks Waldrop passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, after a period of declining health. She was born in Albany, NY on April 11, 1939, to loving parents, Robert and June (Gall) Middlebrooks. She was predeceased by her brother, John R. Middlebrooks, eight years her junior, whom she affectionately called “me too” when he was a boy, as he followed his big sister everywhere.

Joan was raised in Albany, attending PS 18, St. James Institute, and Vincentian High School (Class of 1956). Along the way, she met lifelong friends, June, Amy, Sandy, Mary, and Jake. While studying nursing at the College of Saint Rose, she added Pat, Maggie, Alicia, Mary, and Dottie to her lifelong friend group. She received her BSRN and then attended NYU, earning a Master’s in Community Mental Health Nursing, where she met friends Judi, Joan, and Louise.

Joan retired St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam NY, where she led the mental health department before becoming Vice President for Corporate Development. In retirement, she moved to York, Maine, where she enjoyed the Senior Center programs, and meeting dear friends Janis and Carollyn. She then met her life partner, Fred Bogonis, adding new loving children to her life, Jennifer, Brian, Daniel, and Jacob. Fred brought her joy, love, and care, and they had eight wonderful years together, living their best life.

The joy of Joan’s life was also her loving children, June E. Lamb, Neil A. Waldrop, Bryce E. Waldrop, and Douglas S. Waldrop (deceased). She was also Nana to her grandchildren Courtney, Jimmy, Gavin, Charlotte, and Amelia. She is also survived by her niece Katie Middlebrooks, and Joan’s life partner, Fred Bogonis, and his children, Brian, Daniel, and Jennifer, and grandson, Jacob.

Joan was a loving and devoted Mother and friend, who took time to remind us what her parents had taught her: That life is beautiful and can be lived to the fullest against all odds.

A memorial Mass will be held at the Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunk, Maine at the convenience of family, followed by internment at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands, NY. 

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