Joan M Meyer

Joan (Barber) Meyer of Lake Luzerne, New York departed from this world at the age of 84 on May 22, 2026. She joins both of her parents and her younger brother, Ralph “Skip” Barber.

Born to Ralph and Ida (Marino) Barber on January 15, 1942 in Watertown, New York, Joan was the eldest of 6 children. Their family moved to Albany, New York and put down deep roots in their new community.

Joan, already a pillar in her parent’s household and barely an adult, became a mother herself. She gave birth to a daughter and named her Tracy. Her daughter would grow up as peer and playmate to Joan's younger siblings. Joan, whether she knew it or not, was coming of age in the center of something. Some call it a community or perhaps a village. Whatever the parlance, it was about to get bigger.

Her professional life was as big as her heart, and she brought a sense of excitement to her work. Whether it be fundraising, public relations, or executive direction, Joan brought every part of herself to the table. She worked for a myriad of organizations including, but not limited to, La Salle School, The Leukemia Society, and Living Resources. These organizations served boys from troubled homes, people suffering with Leukemia, and mentally challenged people, respectively. In Joan, these groups found a champion and a sincere advocate. 

Her role in the community was not limited to her profession. She volunteered in a multitude of capacities including visiting with inmates afflicted with AIDS, manning a rape crisis hotline, and tending to her responsibilities as a member of the Rotary.

In this time, her daughter, Tracy, had grown up but Joan's days of mothering were far from over. Around the same time that she was meeting her now husband, Jim, her first grandchild was born. Jim and Joan were blessed with three more grandchildren in the following years and provided a safe, warm and loving place full of music and joy. If it's true that it takes a village, then their house was the center of that village. 

Joan was a loyal and devoted wife, and was a source of power and certainty for her daughter and grandchildren. She was a lover of the Arts, particularly Broadway and Opera, and the co-writer of a cookbook. She was a formidable card player in her weekly card games with her sisters, and she ran in many circles, no matter how high or humble. She was creative and built experiences that crackled with energy, especially when it involved helping people. She was many things to many people and she was a friend to all. She was a protector of the powerless, and an advocate for human dignity and decency.

And although Joan is no longer here in physical form, her spirit lives on in her husband, James Meyer; daughter, Tracy Christopher; grandchildren, Jesse (Ana) Sample, Sheresa Christopher, Nicholas Christopher, Keilan Christopher; and great-grandchildren, Caia Mosier, Colton Nelson. She also lives on in the hearts of her siblings Linda Ausfeld, Sue Lanahan (Gary), Steve Barber and Tina Barber; and her nieces and nephews, blood or otherwise.

The family would like to express our deepest thanks and admiration to the brave and diligent first responders who worked so hard to push away the darkness when Joan took her final breath. 

Calling hours will be held in Joan's honor at Brewer Funeral Home at 24 Church Street, Lake Luzerne New York 12846 on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 1pm to 3 pm. Afterwards, the family will be hosting a celebration of life gathering at Buona Sera at 113 NY-9P, Malta, New York 12020 starting at 4:00 where friends of Joan can share memories and sentiments.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates contributions to La Salle School in Albany, 391 Western Ave. Albany, NY 12203

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