RONKONKOMA - Joan M. Pedersen, 95, beloved wife of the late Ole B. Pedersen, passed away on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, at her residence, The Eddy Village Green in Cohoes.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on June 4, 1930, she was the daughter of the late William and Anna (Kinsella) Ryan.

Joan was raised in Farmingdale, Long Island and was a 1948 graduate of Farmingdale High School. She was a talented artist in high school and won a full scholarship to Pratt Institute in New York City which she did not pursue feeling she had to help her family by going directly to work at local banks as a teller.

She met her future husband, Ole, who was also a Brooklyn native, and the two were married on November 11th, 1950. They shared a beautiful and dedicated life together up until Ole's passing in 1993

Joan also worked in Mental Hygiene Therapy, employed by New York State. She held positions at several locations including Islip State Hospital and Utica State Hospital. Joan retired at the age of 62.

Aside from raising and supporting her family, Joan enjoyed poetry, singing and performing in local talent shows, and was proud of her Irish heritage as an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Her family meant the most to her and she loved and looked forward to spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and late husband, Joan is predeceased by her brother James D. Ryan and grandson Bryan.

She is survived by her children Julianne Seremeta, Ole (Lisa) Pedersen, and James (Jeanine) Pedersen, her sister Ann (late Joseph) Delucia, sister-in-law Patricia Ryan, seven grandchildren: Daniel, Edward, Mary, Melissa, Jennifer, Jessica, and Erik, as well as thirteen great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, NY. At 4:30 PM a prayer service will conclude the visitation.

Interment will take place at a later date beside her late husband at Calverton National Cemetery.

For those not able to attend, the service will be livestreamed and may be found at this link: www.facebook.com/dufresneandcavanaugh. 

For directions, information, to light a memory candle or order flowers for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.