Joan Frances Lugthart

Joan Frances (Waidele) Lugthart, 96, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at Walnut Creek Personal Care Home in Dalton, GA.

Joan was born May 7, 1929, in Syracuse, New York, the daughter of the late Peter Arthur and Irene (Weber) Waidele. She was a graduate of North High School, Syracuse University, and the University of Wisconsin Physical Therapy School. It was at the University of Wisconsin—Madison that she met the love of her life, Garrit (Jerry) Lugthart. Joan and Jerry loved to tell stories from the days when they dated in Madison, marveling at how chance had brought them together. From Wisconsin, Jerry and Joan moved to Adrian, Michigan, where Jerry was a biology professor at Adrian College. Two years later, Jerry took a biology professorship at LeMoyne College in Syracuse, and they settled into their home in Manlius, NY, where they spent the next 60 years together and raised three children. “Big Luke” and “Little Joanie” found joy in togetherness – holding hands as they walked, vacationing with their children and grandchildren, entertaining friends at their home, dressing up for costume parties, and sharing a Scotch each evening.

Joan loved her backyard – her gardens, trees, and birds. Throughout her life she delighted in the designs of nature, marveling at the colors and symmetry of even the smallest of leaves, blossoms, and seeds – and often saying “only God could create something so beautiful.” The beauty of nature was an inspiration to her Catholic faith. Exceptionally creative, Joan loved to work with her hands and to share her works with family, friends, and others. She practiced many crafts over the years – stained glass ornaments, wood working, stone sculptures, quilting, and knitting. She made colorful, often whimsical, knit hats that warmed the heads of her family members, friends, and many, many babies. From hats she moved on to prayer shawls, dozens of which she gave to those struggling with health problems.

A stay-at-home mom when her kids were young, Joan created a warm, loving home. When her own kids were grown, she began working with children at the Highbridge Nursery School, alongside her dear friend Kathy Carpenter. She enjoyed volunteering her time at the Manlius library, FISH Services (where she helped drive people to doctor appointments), Francis House, and as a docent for the Friends of Lorenzo State Historic Site. Joan adored her grandchildren and has left them with wonderful memories of fun holidays and vacations, big family dinners, cozy evenings watching classic movies, and lots of hugs and kisses.

Joan was a beloved wife, mother, Nana, Little Nana, aunt, and friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Rosemary Winkert and nephew Michael Hogan. Joan is survived by daughter Monni Ryan (Mike) of Hull, Massachusetts; John Lugthart (Gretchen) of Dalton, Georgia; and Annie Lighthart (Michael) of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren: Luke, John (Anna), Peter (Eleanor), Grace, Emily, Sam, and Benjamin; great-grandchildren: Maya and Mason; nieces Melanie Chapman (David), Lisa Hogan, and nephew Martin Hogan, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Many thanks to the staff of the Gardens at Royal Oaks for their loving care of Joan over the last three years and to the staff of Walnut Creek for the comfort they provided in her final days. 

A memorial service will be held in Syracuse, NY at a later date.