PLATTSBURGH- Joan E. Sears, 87, of Brooks Bend Road, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Queens, NY on July 17, 1932 the daughter of Pope and Florence (Benze) Harris.

Joan attended various schools on Long Island and graduated from Andrew Jackson High in 1950.

After finishing high school Joan enrolled at Plattsburgh State University College in the nursing education division.  She and Jim met and began dating. Their courtship continued for four years, and they were married July 24, 1954 in Malvern, Long Island.  The courtship and marriage lasted sixty-nine years.  The love will last forever.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother and daughter who always had selfless consideration for others.  She taught her children to see the good in others and to always lend a hand to those in need.  Her children were the joy of her life and she was the joy of theirs.

Survivors include her husband, James F. Sears, Sr. of Plattsburgh; two sons, James (Kelly) Sears, Jr. of Marshfield, MA and Michael (Johnna) Sears of Placida, FL; seven daughters, Kim (Dale) Dowdle of Plattsburgh, Susan (Thomas) Ryan of Plattsburgh, Barbara Sherman of Plattsburgh, Mary (Christopher) Montroy of Albemarll, NC, Patricia (Michael) Cullina of Moore, OK, Carrie Plumadore of Clayburg and Elizabeth (Phillip) Mussig of Clinton Corners, NY; one sister, Mary Lou O'Leary of Whiting, NJ; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her father and her mother, whom she happily took care of for thirty plus years; a son-in-law, Colin Plumadore; and brother-in-law, Daniel O'Leary.

There will be no public calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church in West Chazy. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country.

To share a memory or condolence with family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.