In Lovely Memory of Joan V. Batdorf
- Feb 6
- 1 min read
Updated: Feb 26
In Lovely Memory of Joan Veronica Batdorf
December 26, 1953 - February 6, 2026
Submitted by her sister, Tina Kelly
I miss the childhood years we shared together. She truly cherished our sisterhood, especially because both of us were deaf, along with our brother. She laughed easily whenever I said or did something funny. When she turned 12, she loved babysitting babies under the age of two.
Every summer, when our dad was off from teaching, our family went to the beach in Bethany, Delaware, and stayed at our farmhouse. Joan and I loved swimming and collecting seashells. We had many wonderful memories, especially during our high school years at Model Secondary School for the Deaf.
In the years before and after I got married, Joan and her daughter Jessica were invited to Silver Spring Church on some Sabbaths. They enjoyed socializing and connecting with other deaf members there.
Later, when my Kelly family and I moved to Rochester, New York, in 1991, Joan’s children and ours were able to visit each other more often, and we always had a wonderful time. During those visits, Joan and I would often spend the whole day talking together.
Three years ago, I learned she was in hospice. I was able to visit her and offer my love and support during those three years. She improved for a time, but later her health declined again.
I will miss her deeply.
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