Worcester - Joan A. Rielly, 81, died January 1, 2023 at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown after a lengthy illness.

She was born September 22, 1941 in Schenectady, the daughter of Raymond J. and Anna G. (LaRocco) Thimineur, Sr.

Joan was raised in Schenectady and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School.  After high school, Joan worked at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Niskayuna. After getting married and while raising a family in Randolph, New Jersey, she earned her A.A. from County College of Morris and then her B.A. in Education from the College of St Elizabeth. She taught basic skills classes in the Roxbury School District in Roxbury, New Jersey until retiring to Worcester, NY in 1991.

She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Worcester, Cornell Master Gardener Program and the New York State Bluebird Society, where she reported how many eggs and fledglings occupied her bluebird nest boxes.  She was a WRGB weather watcher for years and enjoyed seeing her submissions scroll on TV.  She was an avid gardener and enjoyed baking, music and classic TV shows like Perry Mason--smarts, not violence.

She is survived by her husband John T. Rielly of Worcester, whom she married on January 6, 1962, son John Rielly of Asbury Park, New Jersey; grandson Dawson M. Rielly of Worcester; brother Raymond J. and Virginia Thimineur, Jr. of East Glenville; sister-in-law, Joan Schmiedel of Schenectady; brother-in-law Charles and Melinda Rielly of Altamont; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, daughter Anne Marie Rielly, and son Joel David Rielly.

Calling hours will be held 3 PM to 5 PM Thursday, January 5 and 11 AM to 11:30 AM Friday, January 6 at the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester.

Funeral mass will be held 12 PM on Friday, January 6 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 201 Main St., Worcester, with the Rev. Joseph Arcokiasamy, as celebrant.

Burial will be held at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.

Donations in Joan's name may be made to the Cornell Master Gardener Program, CCE Schoharie and Otsego Counties, 173 South Grand St., Suite 1, Cobleskill, NY 12043; www.cceschoharie-otsego.org

Online condolences may be sent to www.hellerkinnerfh.com