Joan M. Procopio, 92, of Baldwinsville NY, passed away Friday at home with her two daughters by her side. Born in Providence, RI, she moved frequently with her family while growing up. She ultimately earned a bachelor's degree at Connecticut College in 1953. In 1955 she married Tom Lott and traveled the world before settling the family in Hamilton NY, where she and the girls lived for 21 years. In 1983 Joan moved to Cazenovia and married Fran Procopio. Joan and Fran moved to Syracuse in 1987 where they worked together at Meals on Wheels for 14 years. In 2003 they retired to McHarrie Towne Senior Community in Baldwinsville, NY where they found a safe and loving community. Sadly, Fran died less than two years later.

Joan had a remarkably kind and generous spirit, and was well loved by those who knew her. She was a dedicated Mom who made a point of being available to us as we grew up. The house at 21 Payne Street had a warm, open atmosphere where all were welcome. Joan was supportive and loving and took many of our friends under her wing and into her heart over the years. Several thought of her as a second mom.

Mom shared with us her boundless creative energy, which she expressed in countless ways including needlepoint, music, baking, poetry, gardening, pottery, drawing, and furniture refinishing. She encouraged us to pursue whatever inspired us and frequently gifted us with the bounty of her own creations.

Joan instilled in us a deep love of the natural world. She was never happier than when she was out in nature, watching birds, listening to the babble of a brook, or watching a beautiful sunset. She believed from a young age that, when she died, she would become one with all that she found beautiful in the world around her.

After retiring from a lifetime career in social work, she was privileged to enjoy 20 years of living independently at McHarrie Towne where she made many friends. She lead the Christmas Giving Project and established the Book Club, both of which she headed for many years.  She was active in the Residents' Association, sang in the chorus, played Mah-Jongg, and participated in yoga classes at the Community Center. For many of her later years she was fortunate to have a companion in Bob LaBelle, with whom she shared over 80 camping adventures, the details of which she recorded in words and pictures that fill six albums.

Joan lived and loved fiercely. She is survived by many dear friends. Surviving family include her daughters, Catherine (Cathy) Lott of Mt. Horeb Wisconsin, and Elizabeth (Betsy) Lott of Malden, Massachusetts; her grandchildren, Coyote and Mayalee (Maya) Erfourth; her sister, Elizabeth Robinson; and her nieces and nephew: Susan, Nancy and Doug.

A memorial Gathering will be held at the McHarrie Towne Center, 2464 Betsy Drive, Baldwinsville at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Beaver Lake Nature Center, where she spent many happy hours enjoying the birds and the peace of nature:  (315)-638-2519 email:blnc@ongov.net