Obituary of Joan S. Murphy

Dateline: Ballston Lake, New York

Joan S.  Murphy, 72, of Ballston Lake, passed away peacefully at home on December 20, 2021 with her loving family at her side after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. 

Joan was born on November 24, 1949 in Hornell, NY. She was the daughter of parents Dr. Gordon and Molly Stenhouse. 

Joan was a graduate of The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY. 

She received her bachelor’s degree from Alfred University where she was valedictorian of the class of 1971. She was a 1977 graduate of Albany Law School of Union University (J.D.). 

Joan married John Murphy in Albany, NY on May 29, 1982.

Joan’s career included 17 years with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield serving as Assistant Vice President and Associate Counsel. Joan then worked as an attorney with the law firm of Hinman Straub P.C. of Albany, where she retired in 2013.

Some of Joan’s fondest memories were of the family’s summer vacations to Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes, Vermont where Joan and John made many treasured friends. Joan was a lover of golden retrievers, five of which became integral parts of the Murphy family. 

Joan was predeceased by her loving parents Dr. Gordon and Molly Stenhouse.  She is survived by her adoring husband John and beloved daughter Kate, who was a wonderful and dedicated caregiver. Joan is also survived by her stepchildren Erin (Anthony) and Scott (Marci), and grandchildren Drew, Brynn, Grace and Graham. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Joan’s many caregivers who graciously helped care for Joan. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park NY 12065 (518 371 5454).  The family will be having a celebration of life at a later date. 

Contributions in Joan’s name can be made to Saratoga Hospital’s Outpatient Palliative Care Group, (https://www.saratogahospital.org/services/medicalsurgical/palliative-care), 665 Saratoga Road, Wilton, NY 12831, The Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1^st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 (parkinson.org), or Community Hospice of  Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (https://www.communityhospice.org).