Obituary of Joan M. Ayers

Joan M. Ayers (nee Murphy) passed away in her 91st year on July 3rd, 2021 after complications from surgery. A life-long resident of Cedarhurst, NY, Joan was born on July 26th, 1930 to Daniel and Genevieve Murphy. She was predeceased by her two older siblings, Anne (Foster) and Daniel (Bud) Murphy. She attended St. Joachim School and Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School in Brooklyn. After graduating from high school Joan worked for the Queensborough Gas and Electric Company in Far Rockaway. There she met the love of her life, Daniel J. Ayers, whom she married in 1954 and was blessed with 67 years of happiness. While raising her three children, Joan worked part-time as a teacher's aide for the Lawrence School District for over 30 years. After retiring in 1995, she volunteered in the school district's mentoring program. Joan was also a very active member of St. Joachim's Parish as an Extraordinary Minister, as a volunteer on numerous Diamond Ball fundraising committees, and as a member of the church choir. She also taught CCD for a number of years. Joan's greatest joys were her faith and love of family and friends. She is survived by her husband Danny, children Daniel (Donna), Gary (Robin), and Maureen Paluszek (Christopher); and her grandchildren, Emily Rideout (Jeffrey), Daniel, Meghan and Connor; and great-granddaughter Grace Genevieve Rideout. A celebration of her life and Funeral Mass will take place at St. Joachim RC Church in Cedarhurst on Saturday, July 10th at 9:45 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Mrs. Joan M. Ayers