Obituary of Joan Hedges

DELMAR, NY Joan Manning Hedges of Delmar, NY, passed away suddenly May 8, 2010. She was born in Middlesborough, England, November 13, 1920. She left home and school at a very early age to join the workforce. She worked in the WWII war effort and married (then) Captain Arlie I. Hedges on June 3, 1944. As a British war bride she moved to Fargo, ND, in 1946 with her husband. They raised their three children in Fargo. Each was encouraged to excel in school and has gone on to successful careers in their chosen field. Her husband Arlie predeceased her in 1965. She is survived by her children: Roman (and wife Marian Schwager) of Delmar, NY, Renae (and husband William Hunke) of Harleysville, PA, and Roray of Fargo, ND. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 4 (going on 5) great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and great-grand nieces and nephews live in all parts of the United States and Europe. Joan was at different phases of her long life a stay-at-home Mom and a full-time care giver at the Fargo Nursing Home. She worked at the Nursing Home for a period of more than 20 years, beginning as a nurses aid and ending when she retired as their director of social services. Joan's intense desire to do well and help others see good around them, along with her always positive outlook and seemingly endless energy, have been constant throughout her life. She moved to Delmar after she retired to be near her grandchildren. For the past 20 years she has been deeply involved with the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She has continued to garden and travel. Her very special relationships with her sister-in-law Louise, the parents of her son-in-law and the parents of her daughter-in-law have been sources of great pleasure and pride for all involved. Memorial services will be private. Donations in the name of Arlie and Joan Hedges may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Upstate New York Chapter, PO Box 23746, Rochester, NY 14692-3746.