Obituary of Joan Marie Vivalda

Joan Marie Vivalda, a resident of Wappingers Falls, entered into rest Thursday, February 16, 2012 at her home. She was 73. Daughter of the late Aloysius G. and Regil Rutledge Nolan, she was born and raised in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. She married Victor Vivalda on September 10, 1960 at St. Rose's Church in Carbondale. Mr. Vivalda preceded her in death on July 11, 2002. Lovingly known as "Mrs. V", she was a Teaching Assistant at Fishkill Elementary School for many years. Joan was like a ray of sunshine to everyone she met and always had time to listen. She totally loved life with an enthusiasm that was contagious. She was loved by everyone whose life she touched, and there were many. Joan was kind and loving and would literally give you the shirt off her back if she thought you needed it or that it would make you smile. She loved anything that sparkled and she also loved music, dancing and shopping. She was a strong and courageous woman with eyes that sparkled and a beautiful smile. Laughter was always part of her day. Joan was a woman of strong faith and convictions. Her family and friends meant the world to her. She faced each day as a gift from God and she was a gift from God to everyone she knew. Joan is survived by her children, John Vivalda and his wife, Kim of Hyde Park, Maria Vivalda and her partner, Larry Walsh of New Hampshire and Michael Vivalda of Durango, Colorado; her grandson, Patrick John; her sister, Ann Walker and her husband, Greg of Archbald, Pennsylvania; her brother, Bob Nolan and his wife, Marianne of Key West, Florida; her sisters-in-law, Peggy Nolan of Virginia and Lenore McEvily of Florida. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brothers, Al G. and John Nolan and her sister, Mary McHale. Family will receive their friends on Monday, February 20, 2012 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 noon on Tuesday, February 21 at St. Mary Mother of the Church, Jackson Street, Fishkill. Memorial donations in Joan's name may be made to Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, 41 Old Highland Turnpike, Garrison, NY 10524. For directions to the funeral home or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.