Obituary of Joan M. Kruegler

Joan M. Kruegler, 66, of Brunswick, passed away on Thursday, August 9, 2018, surrounded by and in the loving care of her family. Her passing brings immeasurable grief to all who knew her.  

Born in Troy, she was the daughter of the late Thomas A. and Dorothea M. Teta Kruegler. She was a graduate of Troy High School, Class of 1970 who proudly and independently earned her MSE in Educational Psychology from the College of St. Rose in Albany.

One of Joan’s most unique and admiral talents was caring for others, both old and young. Joan consistently went above and beyond for those she loved.

Joan spent her career as a passionate and devoted advocate for others. Retired, she most recently worked at the NY Alliance for Donation in North Greenbush, whose sole purpose is to increase organ, eye and tissue donation. 

She was an avid gardener who could make anything and everything grow. She cherished her time spent with the Van Rensselaer Garden Club and her Bridge Club.

Joan was the beloved mother of Rachel E. (David) Stephens of Wellesley, MA and Jason M. Valente of Ballston Spa, NY, who are survived by their father John R. Valente of Paradise Valley, AZ, devoted sister of Judith A. Lee of White Plains, NY, Colonel  Thomas A. Kruegler US Army (Ret.), of Williamsburg, VA and Carla J. O'Donnell of White Plains, NY, loving grandmother of Jackson D., Jason T. and Lillian E. Stephens who lovingly referred to her as "Gram-Ham". Joan is also survived by multiple beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to Joan's Funeral Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine's Church in Lansingburgh and to her calling hours on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue (corner of 115th St. in Lansingburgh), Troy, NY 12182.

Private interment will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery in Troy.

Joan's family would like to express their most sincere appreciation for the outstanding and loving care provided by the nurses, doctors and staff of St. Peter's Hospital, most especially the ICU team.  Joan’s children would like to extend their heartfelt & deepest thanks, love & appreciation to all the family & friends that have supported them throughout this difficult time.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Lion's Eye Bank of Albany, Sight Society of NENY, www.lionseyebankalbany.org in memory of Joan M. Kruegler.

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