Joan Reilly

Joan Fye Essex Reilly, “Granny,” age 81, of Saranac Lake, NY, and formerly of Bloomingdale, NY, passed away on Saturday June 10, 2023, at Adirondack Medical Center with her family by her side.

Born in Malone, NY on July 10, 1941, Joan was the daughter of Sadie (Wiley) Fye Foley and Malcolm Charles Fye, Sr.

Joan grew up in Dickenson Center, NY, and graduated from Saint Regis Falls Central High School with the Class of 1960. Following graduation, Joan worked as an accountant for Bill Sweeney in Saranac Lake, prior to establishing her own retail business. Joan proudly owned and operated the one and only “Joan’s Place” on Route 3 in Bloomingdale for the next 20 years. Upon retiring the convenience store, Joan began her next adventure as a medical receptionist at AMC for approximately 12 years. One of Joan’s highlights of her later life was working as a lunch lady for the Saranac Lake Central School District, lovingly known to many as “Granny.”

Joan is survived by her loving husband Thomas Reilly, her three children: Julia Essex Cotter, Thomas (Charlotte) Essex, Amelia Essex (Chris) Burns; grandchildren: Mallory, Mackenzie, Cameron and Cole; stepchildren: Anne-Mary, James, John-Joe and Stephanie Reilly; brother Malcom Fye Jr.; sisters: Donne Walker and Sadie Martin; as well as her first husband and lifelong friend Donald Essex.

Joan was pre-deceased by her mother Sadie, father Malcolm Sr., brother Daniel, and son Joel Essex.

Throughout Joan’s life she always took great pride spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Joan will be fondly remembered for her kindness, generosity and never-ending witty sense of humor.

The family would like to thank her caregivers, Roseann, Dee, Peggy, and Joey as well as the wonderful staff at the Adirondack Medical Center.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Calling hours will take place on Thursday, June 15 from 4-6pm at the funeral home. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 16, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with burial immediately following at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. The Reverend Paul Kelly will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad, or the Saranac Lake Voluntary Health Association in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Family and friends wishing to remember Joan Essex Reilly may share a memory, send a condolence, and sign the online guest book at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.