Joan (Wilkinson) Arnold , VRHS Class of 1952
PHOENIX, Ariz. - Joan Wilkinson Arnold, 88, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away, June 19, 2023. Joan was born and raised in Rensselaer, NY. Joan graduated in 1956 from New York State College for Teachers in Albany with a major in English and a minor in Mathematics. After college Joan married her first husband Walter Fuchs and settled in Connecticut. Although her time with Walter was short, Joan cherished the love that they shared. Joan was fortunate to find love again with William (Bill) Arnold. They started on the East Coast but then settled in Phoenix, AZ to raise their sons Billy and Richard. Joan's love of the beach brought her to La Jolla, California. Joan loved having her family out to La Jolla to enjoy her "happy place." She would walk you through the town and show you all the beauty she enjoyed from the beaches to the restaurants, farmers market and the shopping! Joan later resided in Nevada where she loved to play at the casinos before moving back to Arizona with her son Richard. Joan was a worker from the beginning! While in college Joan spent her summers in Wildwood, NJ waiting tables. Wildwood was always a special place for Joan and her family! Joan's many jobs included IBM, the Fairlfield company where she was an accomplished commercial real estate broker. Joan was also an active member of the American Association of University Women, where she worked to help support women's rights. Joan's family and friends in Rensselaer will always remember Joan's generosity. Trips to Wildwood, Disney, and La Jolla. Joan was always full of surprises and loved to make her loved ones happy. Christmas was one of her favorite holidays, and she enjoyed making stockings for her nieces and nephews. Her love for reading and writing kept the family together with her year end in review letter that the family received every Christmas. This was usually accompanied by several pictures because she loved to capture every moment. Her love for a great birthday celebration, hot dogs, all things chocolate and her lead foot will remain forever in our hearts. Joan is survived by her son William (Lisa), of Oregon, Richard of Arizona and her grandchildren Brandon, Morgan, and Maci of Arizona. Step-son Rob Reitzen and granddaughter Jessica of California. Sister-in-law Mary Wilkinson, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving parents John and Victoria Wilkinson, her brother Nelson Wilkinson and husbands Walter Fuchs and William Arnold. The family will celebrate Joan's life in La Jolla California on June 14th. Joan will be brought back to her "happy place."