Joan Holman

Joan Holman was born in Troy, NY. She was the daughter of the late George Ballard, Sr. and Gabrielle Chevalier.

She was the loving mother of Edward Bishop (Joan) of Brunswick and Barbara Smollin (Bob) of Troy.  The former Joan Ballard Bishop was married to Paul Holman, Jr.

Joan was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Stacey A. Bishop, John E. Bishop (Jennifer Schoenfisch), Allison G. Bishop and Malaina Bishop-Saha (Rishabh), “grand angel” Jeffery Smollin, Jason and Matthew Smollin (Ana). Great-grandmother to Donovin Bishop, Kyra Williams, Aiden Vanderwal, and Noah and Ari bishop.

Survivors include siblings Charlotte Clark of Rockledge Florida, Thomas Ballard (Lita) of Stillwater, William Ballard (Sherry) of Crescent, Deborah Wright of Petersburgh and Darlene Ballard of Michigan.  She was predeceased by siblings George Ballard, Jr., James Ballard, Phillip Ballard, Faustine Marra and Janet Cimino.

Joan is also survived by many nieces, nephews and special cousins.

She was educated in the Cohoes Public School system, School 16, Cohoes Junior High and Cohoes High School. Years later, with great determination and effort, Joan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education/Special Studies with honors.

She worked for Bruno E Amyot, D.D.S. in Cohoes as a dental assistant for 18 years. During her

employment there, she became certified in that profession. Joan went on to become very active in professional organizations such as The Third District Dental Assistants Society and The New York Dental Assistants Association. She also served on many committees leading to serving as President in both groups. During her membership in the American Dental Assistants Association Joan served on many committees, as well. Needless to say, she was considered a leader in her profession, always striving toward the highest standard possible.

In 1964, Joan coordinated and managed the Kiwanis Dental Health Program at the Troy Boys Club for five years. As a result, she participated in the Latham Kiwanis Fresh Air Program for many years, maintaining a lifelong relationship with her Bronx-based sponsor.

Prior to her appointment as Coordinator of the newly formed certificate program at Hudson Valley Community college, Joan served on the advisory board developing and bringing the program to fruition.  The program existed from 1967-1986.

During her final year she had the privilege of being an advisor to the freshmen and senior dental hygiene students. Many of these graduates were successful as a result of the quality education they received. Some graduated and later pursued higher education, and continued to keep in touch with her for many years following.

Education and professionalism were key essentials to her. Joan retired from HVCC in 1987 and was awarded Associate Professor Emeritus.

Other community involvements included volunteering for Vanderheyden Hall and serving on the boards for Troy area United Ministry and the former Abba House of Prayer.

From 1970-1977 Joan was a member of the Colonie Tribune Players where she greatly enjoyed the singing and dancing in her performances.

In 1988, following her retirement from HVCC, she pursued real estate and became a licensed realtor and was a sales associate with Realty USA from1988-2002.

In addition to other educational roles served, Joan was very active in her parish community.

She was a member of St. Augustine’s choir since 1979 also serving as cantor for 14 years. Liturgy music brought her great joy.

She served as Evaluation Chairperson for The Renew Program. She was a catechist from 1987-1998 and was a substitute teacher for Parish School from 1987-1990; other participation included the Pastoral Council and Adult Faith Formation acting as a facilitator for the series held during those sessions. Joan was a part of the St. Augustine’s and St. Mary’s Prayer Groups. She was also a part of the Queen of Peace Rosary Group.

She was a member of the Commission for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs from 1983-2015. She is a member of the Albany Chapter of Magnificat.

In 2000 Joan was called back to the classroom. She thoroughly enjoyed her role as a substitute

teacher at Rensselaer Park Elementary for 11 ½ years and at Turnpike Elementary for about 3 years.

She served on the Northeast Advisory Board of The Diabetes Association.

Joan would like to be remembered as a woman who valued gifts of Faith, Family and

friends in life.

It was very important to live a life of purpose. Hopefully her purpose has been fulfilled. Joan touched so many lives with light and love.

She gave so much more than she ever took.

Family and friends are invited and may call on Thursday November 9, 2017 from 4:00

pm to 7:00 pm at the McLoughlin & Mason Funeral Home corner of 109th Street and Third Avenue, Lansingburgh.  Funeral mass 9:30 am on Friday

November 10, 2017 at St. Augustine’s Church, Troy.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Augustine’s Heritage Fund, 25-115th Street,

Troy, NY 12182 or the Joshua Foundation 1071 Joshua Lane Altamont NY 12009.