Saratoga Springs, NY- On the morning of March 16, 2016, Joan passed away peacefully at the age of 79. Joan was being visited and comforted by family members in Scotia, NY. Prior to her time in Scotia, she was a tenant of Embury Apartments and had been a long-time resident (45+ years) of Saratoga Springs. She was the second child and only daughter of the late Frank and Anna Burns.

Joan married Russell E. Spearman on September 19, 1953 in Pennsylvania and together they raised seven children. She was a proud homemaker. Before starting a family, Joan worked at the Bell telephone company in New Jersey. While raising the family, she worked for Saratoga Hospital and for the Sheraton Hotel in Saratoga Springs.

The anchors of Joan's life were her love of Christ and her love for her family and others. She was an active member of the New Life Fellowship church. Her favorite scripture verse was: Isa 40:31: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. We remember her warm and loving smile, and her ease and ability to connect with people. She touched many lives in a deep and positive way. Our mom was a hard worker, sacrificed for her children growing up, and adored both them and her grandchildren.  She would share with them special stories about their parents growing up. Our mom always made an effort to let her grandchildren know how much she loved them. Throughout the years, we often remembered and commented; no school event was missed, no Sunday church services skipped, and family milestones always remembered by a card that came in the mail.

In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her husband, Russell E. Spearman; a grandson, Nolan Spearman and her brother, Charles Burns.

Survivors include seven children: Eileen A. Spearman and her husband Abraham Aly, of Longwood, FL, Karen M. Corning and her husband Capt. Michael F. of Jacksonville, FL., Russell C. Spearman and his wife Terry of Meridian, ID., Joanne Allen and her husband Dale, of Melbourne, FL., Brian M. Spearman of Ridgefield, CT., Sheryl A. Kidd of Tallahassee, FL., and Michelle L. Spearman-Lin and her husband John of Los Angeles, CA., fifteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

The Spearman family would like to extend our gratitude to the staff at Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scotia for their attentiveness and loving care.

Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 6:30pm on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 with a memorial service to follow at 6:30pm at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).

Graveside service will be at 11am Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at St. Peter's Cemetery, West Avenue.

Memorial donations may be made to the New Life Fellowship Church, 51 Old Gick Rd., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be left at www.burkefuneralhome.com