Obituary of Joan Aileen Fedkew

Joan Aileen Fedkew, 81, of Webster, New York, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2017.  Born on Leap Day, February 29, 1936 with her twin brother John Philip, in Columbia County, NY, she was the daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Herman (Margaret A. Higgs) Briele.  Since the twins only celebrate a birthday every 4 years, Joan would let people know she was 20 ¼ years of age.

She is predeceased by her husband of 30 years, Theodore Fedkew of Webster, New York, a brother, Ronald (Fran) Briele of Long Island, New York and nephew, Paul Briele, Jr of Constantia, New York. She is survived by her sons, Marc (Karen) of Rochester, NY and John (Dena) of Webster, NY; two grandchildren, Amanda and John; two brothers, John Briele of Augustus, Georgia and Paul (Patricia) Briele of St. Johnsville, New York; many beloved nieces and nephews & dear friends.

Joan was a student nurse at Albany Hospital, affiliated with Union University and completed her masters at University of Rochester Nursing School to lead the Maternal Nursing Program at St. Mary’s Hospital. Joan became a dedicated adjunct professor of Maternal Nursing at Roberts Wesleyan College where she retired after teaching hundreds of students at various hospitals in Rochester, NY. Joan led a life guided by faith and the belief of the best in everyone she met. Joan raised her family at Immanuel Lutheran Church serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Chair of Social Ministry and Gathering Choir Warbler as well as hosting memorable church events at her home. Later, she participated in the WOW program at Immanuel offered to seniors of the community. In later years, Joan, known for her infectious giggle, resided at Grande’Vie Legacy Living Community to whom she was ever grateful for amazing care and food.

Calling hours will be from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home on Friday, December 29. Church services will be conducted at 3:30 PM, the same day, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 131 West Main Street, Webster, New York with the Rev. Joanne Groman-Stewart officiating. The family will receive friends at Immanuel Lutheran Church following the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and Memorial Fund at Immanuel Lutheran Church. A spring interment will be at Webster Union Cemetery at the convenience of the family.