Joan Paul

Albany - On October 16, we lost Joan Bolz Paul, the magnetic and cherished center of our family.  She spent 91 spirited years loving her family, taking a genuine interest in everyone she met, and speaking her mind (for better or worse!).

Joan was born in Albany on July 28, 1932 to August and Etta Bolz. She graduated from Albany High School and New York State College for Teachers (now University at Albany) for which she organized the most recent reunions.  She worked many years for the New York State Legislature and was an active member of Temple Beth Emeth, where she channeled her love of children into a 40-year Sunday School teaching career.

Joan loved her home, where she gardened, cooked delicious meals (always with four different desserts), and made everyone who walked through the door feel like part of the family. She loved learning, reading, and the arts, and her curiosity about the world and people never waned.  More recently, she enjoyed being part of a new community at Massry and welcoming the new generations of our family whom she adored, including her new great-granddaughter.

Joan leaves behind all of us who will hold her in our hearts forever: her loving husband of 68 years, Fred Paul, children Andrea Stankus (Richard), Cathy Paul (Nathan Canby), and Jim Paul (Cindy Hicks), grandchildren Amie MacIntosh (Brent), Joe Stankus (Ashley Connor), Claire Stankus (Shawn O’Connor), Oliver Canby, Nora Canby, and Elliot Paul, and great-grandchildren Kiernan and Aidan MacIntosh and Jules O'Connor. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Those wishing to remember Joan in a special way can make donations in her name to Temple Beth Emeth or a cause that is meaningful to you.

Funeral services for Joan will be held at 11:00 am on Friday October 20th at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd. in Albany. Burial will follow at Beth Emeth Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Paul, please visit our floral store.