Joanne Edelstein

Joanne Edelstein (nee Berardi), 72, passed away peacefully from pancreatic cancer surrounded by family on December 11, 2021. Joanne was born January 5, 1949 in Kingston, NY to the late John J. Berardi, Sr. and Edith "Peggy" Appa. Joanne grew up in Kingston and enjoyed getting into mischief with cousins and spending summer days at a family cabin near Phoenicia, NY. After graduating in 1966 from St. Patrick's Catholic High School in Catskill, NY, she attended nursing school at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston. She met and married Robert James Edelstein in the Albany, NY area while she was working as a nurse for the VA Hospital there. The couple lived for a short time in Tennessee and Virginia, then moved to Kingston in 1976 where Joanne worked as a registered nurse and nursing manager at area hospitals until 1996.

Joanne was an avid reader that also enjoyed hiking, the outdoors, and traveling. After moving to Florida in 1996 (first in Naples, then in Ocala), she would spend many summers in North Carolina. Joanne was also a skilled card and board game player, and regularly played shuffleboard after retirement.

She had a strong will, the patience of a saint, and a kind and compassionate heart. Her warmth and sense of humor were endearing to all around her. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and a generous friend to all.

In addition to Robert, her devoted husband of 49 years, and two children Carol Edelstein (wife Jennifer Bame) and J. Michael "Mike" Edelstein (wife Sarah Edelstein), she is survived by a brother Frank Berardi (wife Mary Lou Berardi), two aunts, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Joanne is preceded in death by her parents and by her brother, John J. Berardi, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society in Joanne's memory would be appreciated.