Joan Totton

Joan Gillette Totton, 93, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at the Joe Raso Hospice in New CIty, NY. Joan was born on September 11, 1932 in Des Moines, IA, to the late Gene and Josephine Gillette. Joan graduated with a degree in Physical Education from the University of Maine. During her career, she was employed at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University in support of a group of scientists. Joan’s interests included tennis, golf, birding and playing the recorder. She also enjoyed interacting with her friends at Brightview Senior Living. She was a long-time resident of Nanuet, NY, after raising her three boys in Pearl River, NY. Joan was an active member of Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church. Surviving children include: James (Nancy) Totton of Georgetown, TX, Jonathan (Louise) of Longs, SC and Jeffrey (Donna) Totton, of Little River, SC. Joan is survived by her brother, Gene Gillette, of Franktown, Co. Grandchildren include James D. Totton (Danielle) of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Samantha Totton, of Longs, SC, and David Totton (Nicole) of Deptford, NJ. Joan was also a great-grandmother to Thalia, Zachary, and Miles Totton. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends. Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David, and her sister, Patricia Gillette Claxton. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Joe Raso Hospice staff for their support and compassion during this difficult time. Services will be held at the Nauraushaun Church, 51 Sickletown Road, Pearl River, NY., on Friday, February 27 at 9:30 am.

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