Joan M. Podenak

Joan Marie (Hool) Podenak, 91, went peacefully to the Lord on January 31, 2026, with her daughters by her side.

Born on November 22, 1934, in Whitesboro, New York, Joan was the daughter of Ann (McGinley) and stepfather, Louis Buttenschon. She graduated from Whitesboro High School with the class of 1953. Joan had many school friends and was an active member of her community.

Joan married the love of her life, George, on November 26, 1953, in Utica, New York. They celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage until George’s death on December 22, 2018. After they married, Joan and George moved to Norwich, New York, where they raised their four children in the home that George built.

Joan worked at a variety of places, including Victory Markets, Norwich Pharmaceutical (Procter and Gamble), Norwich Head Start Program, and others. Throughout her life, Joan was active with many organizations, including St. Bartholomew’s Church Women’s Guild, the YMCA, Tops, City Church, Nursing Home Ministry, and others.

In her leisure time, Joan enjoyed cultivating flowers in her yard, adopting injured or stray animals of all species, playing Bingo and “Let It Ride” at Turning Stone Casino, and walking around Weiler Park, to name a few.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Sandy (David) Gill of Spicewood, Texas, Pam (John) Nesbitt of Plymouth, New York, Kim (Paul) Prevost of Clifton Park, New York; daughter-in-law, Perri (Boner) Podenak, wife of late son, Gary Podenak of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Shaun (Carolina) Podenak of Florida, Craig (Toni) Podenak of Oklahoma, Sarah (Jeff) Latham of Texas, Tiffany Selhay of Alaska, Katherine (Drew) Haskett of California, Maddison Prevost, Noah Prevost, and Tristan Prevost all of New York, and Collin Nesbitt of Texas; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Marian Tyler of New York; 5 nieces; brother-in-law, John Podenak; and sister-in-law, Catherine Podenak, both of Norwich, New York.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, George Podenak on December 22, 2018; son, Gary L. Podenak on January 24, 2006; mother, Ann Buttenschon; stepfather, Louis Buttenschon; grandmother, Ada McGinley; and brother; Leo McGinley.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at the Wilson Funeral Home in Norwich from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. A funeral service for Joan will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the City Church, 97 Silver Street, Norwich, where Pastor Zach Thorp will officiate. Burial will take place in the spring at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Norwich.

The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all of Joan’s caregivers over the last few years. Many thanks to the Norwich Fire Department for their speedy response to calls and a very special thank you to George Carnrike of Norwich for always being available to help as well as plowing the driveways.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Kimmy’s Kitty Corner, 12 Notch Lane, Eagle Bridge, New York 12057 (Kimberly Hartnett - Venmo: @Kimmys-Kitty-Corner), St. Jude Place Children’s Research Hospital/ALSAC, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, City Church, 97 Silver Street, Norwich, New York 13815, or the Norwich Family YMCA, 68 North Broad Street, Norwich, New York 13815.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home.