Joan Sylvia Wahrlich, 76, of lower Main Street in Claremont, died unexpectedly Thursday morning March 4, 2010 at Valley Regional Hospital.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 2, 1933 the daughter of Fred and Eugenia Fisher. She married Eric Richard "Dick" Wahrlich on September 25, 1954 and he predeceased her on May 5, 2006. 

Joan and Dick lived in CT during their early years of marriage and began their life in Claremont in 1966.  Energetic and outgoing, Joan was a very active person.  In the early 70's, she started a woman's clothing store called "I Am Women" that was located on Pleasant Street.  She was instrumental in the beginning of the Sullivan County Rehabilitation Center and was involved in the Women's Auxiliary of Valley Regional Hospital (LUAS) including working with "Cardiac Capers."  In 1979, she and her husband opened White Birch Sheltered Home, which they owned and operated for twenty-one years.  Joan always spoke her mind.  She used her direct and forthright manner to help her reach her goals in business and in community activities. 

She loved to knit and shared many of her handmade sweaters, afghans, caps and mittens with friends and family.  One of Joan's hobbies was cooking and many people enjoyed her culinary talents, especially her family. She was renowned for her Roast Duck, and various soups and stews.  Her love of travel took her to Germany, Canada, the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean Island, as well as, many different states in the US including Hawaii. Joan and Dick celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary by a trip to Montreal, Canada. 

The surviving family includes her sons, Fred Wahrlich of Houston, Texas and Richard “Rick” Wahrlich of Claremont and; one daughter Cynthia Wahrlich of Claremont.  Joan was known as "Nanny" to her three grandchildren:  John David Wahrlich of Houston and Erica and Sylvia Wahrlich of Claremont. 

Funeral Services will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home on Saturday, April 3^rd (Easter Weekend) at 11 AM with Rev. Priscilla Hull, officiating.

Visiting hours will be held from 10-11 AM prior to the funeral service.

Interment will follow in Union Cemetery.