Joan C. (Bevan) Kaminski

Mrs. Joan C. (Bevan) Kaminski, age 73, of Utica, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 30, 2007. She passed away in the comfort of her home after a long illness. Joan was born in Albany in 1934, the daughter of Edwin C. Bevan and Katherine (Gudyka) Bevan. She was raised and educated in Utica, graduating from Utica Free Academy in 1952. On April 28, 1956 in Holy Trinity Church she married Edward C. Kaminski. The couple shared a loving, devoted union of 50 years. Joan worked for the New York Telephone Company as an operator, then devoted herself to raising her three children while they were young. Later, Joan worked for some 19 years with the Utica City School District, aiding special children, a job she was well-suited for due to her demeanor. Joan was especially proud of returning to that job, even after she recovered from being in a coma for two weeks 30 years ago. Joan was a lifetime parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church where she was a den mother, member of the PTA and Altar Rosary Society, and volunteered at summer church festivals. More recently, she attended St. Anthony of Padua Church. Never one to complain, Joan endured quiet suffering for a decade, saying she was "OK" even though she clearly wasn't, somehow persevering against all medical odds until she could suffer no more. Always easy-going, Joan never argued, spoke a mean word, carried a grudge or wanted any worldly thing or possession for herself, except for an occasional mint or maybe a sweet "something good." Joan only cared about the well-being of her children and family and would and did gladly go without for their benefit or to help another. For Joan, it was always, "It's good enough" because things and possessions didn't matter to her. A woman of faith, Joan enjoyed going to church, praying the Rosary and listening to Gospel and inspirational music - or any music for that matter. In her earlier years, she loved to polka until her illnesses took away most of her physical abilities. While sick, Joan relied entirely on her husband, Ed, to take care of her needs, which he did exclusively and relentlessly for the past several years. In recent years, their big day to get out of the house was Sunday when together they attended Mass even if it meant pushing Joan's wheelchair through the snow. Joan is survived by her husband, Edward; her children, Edward G. Kaminski, Esq. and his wife Janice of Utica, Mary Ann and Dan Wisner of Utica, and David J. Kaminski, U.P.D. and Korinne Smith of Utica; and her grandchildren, Lynnanne Wisner, Dan Wisner, Halle Kaminski, and Matthew Smith. Also surviving are her sisters and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Douglas Bengough of New Hartford, and Kathy Bevan of Utica; her brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Ellen Bevan of North Utica; her nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She also leaves many friends, including Ida Jweid, Josephine Hebert, and special neighbors, Nate and Pat Sanchious who were always there when needed. Visitation will be held on Sunday (today) from 2:00 – 5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Joan’s funeral will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Joan C. (Bevan) Kaminski

February 23, 1934 - March 30, 2007