Joan L. North, 88, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Niagara Hospice House. Born on July 9, 1938, she was the youngest of five children of the late Joseph and Teresa (Gallina) Palermo.

Joan was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls and a 1956 graduate of Niagara Falls High School. Joan married and became the devoted mother of four children, raising three of them as a fearless and loving single parent. Her children were the great joys of her life. As they grew older, she began working as a legal secretary for Attorneys Grossman and Levine, later joining the Niagara Falls Board of Education, where she remained until her retirement in 2013.

Outside of work, Joan found her greatest happiness in time spent with her father, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends-most of whom lived close by. In later years, she treasured every visit with her daughter from North Carolina and looked forward to each one with heartfelt anticipation. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends, reading, writing poetry, and caring for anyone in need. Joan was always there when called upon, offering love, encouragement, and steadfast support.

Over many years, countless neighborhood cats found kindness, food, medical care, and shelter through Joan’s compassion. She was devoted to easing the plight of homeless cats and welcomed several into her own home. Though she lost a few along the way, many remain there today, living safely because of her gentle care.

Joan is survived by her beloved children Jon North, Sheree (Jamie) McDermott and Anne (Tom) Scherer; her cherished grandchildren, James P. McDermott III, Jennifer McDermott, Benjamin (Kelly) McDermott, Adam (Lindsay) McDermott, Zachary North (USN), and Matthew North (USN); nine loving great‑grandchildren; nieces, Teresa (Gordy) Slipko, Michele Dashineau, and Paulette Wingert; nephew Sal (Linda) Palermo; her lifelong friend Peggy LePage; and her much‑loved cats.

She was predeceased by her son and daughter‑in‑law, Gerry and Lynette North; her great‑granddaughter, Lyla‑Rose Wise; two brothers, Joseph and Salvatore Palermo; and two sisters, Josephine Rosenbaum and Marion Dashineau.

Per Joan’s wishes, funeral services with interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY will be held privately. Memorial offerings may be made to the Niagara County SPCA at niagaraspca.org. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, Niagara Falls, NY. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.