Joan McCalip, of Yonkers and Middleburgh died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.  She was 95 years old.

Joan Marie Verdeaux was born on March 16, 1930, to Rene and Margaret (Walsh) Verdeaux.  The family lived in a house in Yonkers, next door to her French-speaking grandparents, appreciating and enjoying their close bond.  While Rene was an only-child, Margaret was one of thirteen children, many of whom came from Ireland to settle in the US.  Joan always treasured the Irish family gatherings and traditions, remaining in close contact with many of her 37 first cousins.

As children, Joan and her brother, Raymond, enjoyed many years of tap dance lessons, often performing as a pair.  Joan always enjoyed singing in choirs throughout her school years, frequently as a featured soloist, at both Roosevelt H.S in Yonkers and Harcum College, in Bryn Mawr, PA.

While just 15 years old, Joan caught the eye of "Mac" McCalip, also of Yonkers, at a YMCA dance and won his heart. They attended local dances almost weekly, eventually dancing on several occasions to the live music of the Glenn Miller Orchestra!  The vision of Joan and Mac on the dance floor on many occasions over the years will be a lasting memory for many.

Following a five-and-a-half-year courtship, and immediately following his college graduation, Mac finally asked Joan's father for her hand in marriage.  Soon after, they married on October 28, 1951 and the newlyweds left for Riverside, California, where Mac was stationed in the Air Force.  It was there that Joan did some modeling, mostly on the runway, before the birth of their first child, Michelle.

After two years, their young family returned from California to find that Joan's parents had purchased a farm in Huntersland, a hamlet just outside of Middleburgh, NY.  They joined her parents and brother for a short time in 1954 while it was still operating as a farm.  Although returning to Yonkers to raise their family, Joan had cemented a lifelong connection to Middleburgh.  She and her three daughters, Michelle, Sharon and Lori, would return to spend summers and most vacation opportunities at the family home, with Mac joining them on weekends.

In Yonkers, Joan was an active member of the School PTA, eventually taking on the role of treasurer. Her willingness to offer her support to the PTA appeared to have been limitless when modeling a bathing suit at the PTA Fashion Show while 3 months pregnant!

Joan always put her family first, taking her role as homemaker seriously. Despite encouraging and facilitating the many after-school and weekend activities of her daughters, she always managed to put a well-balanced meal on the table each night and create a loving home.  She kept her parents and brother close to her heart, lovingly helping in their care in their later years.

As the mother of three young girls, Joan was frequently spotted around town shopping, driving her daughters around, cheering them on, and chaperoning their activities.  Joan was always happy to have a chat with those she met, young and old.  She would always remember your name.  She listened.  When engaging in conversation you could tell that she was truly interested in what you had to say.  She was happy to give advice.  In recent years several family friends have said "She was like a mother to me".  Joan was admired as a strong and beautiful woman.  She made lifelong connections to many of all ages, and always appreciated keeping in touch through the years.

Joan was a great supporter of town enrichment programs, particularly those in the interest of children.  She was an active member of Middleburgh's St. Catherine's Church, since renamed Our Lady of the Valley.  As a member of the Rosary Society, she helped sponsor the annual Strawberry Festival and enjoyed friendships with its members.  Following the flood devastation from Hurricane Irene in 2011, Joan was part of a team of parishioners who served free meals at the church and helped deliver meals to affected neighboring towns.

After Mac's retirement, and over the 20 years to follow, Joan and Mac enjoyed many hours together on their boat on the beautiful waters and islands of Lake George with friends and family.  They enjoyed dining out, and a vodka martini.  They also enjoyed spending more time at the family home in Huntersland.  Joan was principally responsible for preserving its legacy for over 50 years, which 5 generations of family have been able to enjoy.

With the joyful birth of four grandchildren, Joan welcomed her new titles of "Grandma" and "Gram."  Remaining a close-knit family throughout the years, now with Joan as matriarch, Joan was delighted to see the addition of 4 great-grandchildren, with time together enough to create a loving bond and lasting memories.

Joan was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Medford "Mac" McCalip, her youngest daughter Lori Joan McCalip, her brother Rene "Raymond" Verdeaux and her son-in-law Philip Steinberg.

Holding her memory the closest are her daughters Michelle McCalip Matteis and Sharon McCalip Steinberg.  She will also forever be in the hearts of her son in-law Charlie Matteis, four grandchildren Allison Sannasardo and husband Rob, Brandon McCalip Steinberg and wife Christina Annunziato, Kelly Whelan and husband John, and Kathryn Steinberg and husband Richard Hummel, and 4 great-grandchildren, Ryan and Dylan Sannasardo and Charlee and James Whelan.

Visiting hours will be held from 4:30-7:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street Middleburgh, NY 12122. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00PM on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Main Street, Middleburgh, NY 12122.  Joan will be laid to rest in Middleburgh Cemetery in the Spring.

Joan's family kindly requests memorial contributions in Joan's honor be sent to our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, PO Box 311, Middleburgh, NY or the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839 Boone, IA 50037-0839

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
PO Box 311, Middleburgh NY 12122

American Red Cross
P.O. Box 37839, Boone IA 50037-0839
Web: http://www.redcross.org/