Joan C. Lyng, 94, of Watertown, New York, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 6, at Holy Family Church. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.

Joan was born on July 23, 1932, in Watertown, New York, daughter of Ethan and Hazel Gardner. She attended Watertown High School and later married Donald H. Lyng on October 20, 1962 at Holy Family Church in Watertown, where the couple continued to make their home together.

Joan began her working career at the lunch counter at Woolworth’s, where she met Donald. She later worked for the Watertown City School District in the cafeteria for 42 years before her retirement in 2011. Donald retired from Niagara Mohawk.

Joan was a longtime member of Holy Family Church and was an avid bingo player. She was a kind and generous woman who enjoyed giving to others and especially loved participating in the Giving Tree at Christmas, helping to make the holidays brighter for children in need. Over the years, Joan had many beloved dogs and had a special fondness for her small poodles.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Donald H. Lyng; two daughters and a son-in-law, Randy K. Raschiatore of Victor, New York; Carol A. Lyng-Pickett and her husband Chip, of Watertown; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Lowery of South Carolina; a sister and brother-in-law, Donna and John Iannuzzi of North Syracuse, New York; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Joan was predeceased by her son, John T. Lowery; a son-in-law, Gary Raschiatore; a sister and brother-in-law, Marie Larkin and John Johnson; and three brothers and their wives, William and Helen Gardner, Ethan and Mary Gardner, and Jack and Rosemary Gardner.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to Holy Family Church, 129 Winthrop Street, Watertown or the Jefferson County SPCA, 25056 Water Street, Watertown.

Arrangements are with Hart & Bruce Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com.