ST. JOHNSVILLE-Joan Catherine (Perry) Carter, 70, of Failing Avenue, entered into eternal rest peacefully on Monday morning, March 23, 2009 in Little Falls Hospital, following a long illness. At the time of her passing, she had the love and support of her family by her side. She was born in Little Falls on November 22, 1938, daughter of the late Joseph A. and Catherine M. (Keesler) Perry and graduated with the St. Johnsville High Schools, “Class of 1956”. In her high school years she was a talented musician and in 1958 Joan was named the village of St. Johnsville Centennial Queen and was honored to re-live that distinction by riding in this past year’s 250th Anniversary parade. She also organized and chaired the formation of the St. Johnsville mini-militia which was a marching/drumming traveling group of local kids that marched in parades and performed in competitions. She furthered her education attending the Albany School of Business. Joan was last employed with Terleckey Brothers Trucking Corp., Amsterdam as a dispatcher, was formerly employed as a bookkeeper with Robert C. Failing Ford, St. Johnsville and was at one time employed with the former Little Falls Footwear. She was a proud member of the central Mohawk Valley Lions Club and enjoyed the friendships she made within that group, especially with Mr. And Mrs. David Plank. Joan was a proud St. Johnsville resident always volunteering her time at the bingo booth at the fireman fair and especially enjoyed trips to the marina to listen to bands. A beautiful person inside and out, Joan loved life and God blessed her with 70 years of it. She loved and cherished her family and friends and she had a special place in the heart of all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Survivors include her loving children: James Carter and wife Milissa of St. Johnsville, Jeannette Hanifin and husband Patrick of Fort Plain, and Jessica Gray and husband Robert of Chicago, Illinois, a daughter in law: Barbara Carter of Oppenheim; her cherished grandchildren: Jeremy, Jordan and Corey Carter, Christopher and Andrew Hanifin, and Chloe Elizabeth Gray. She is also survived by her devoted brother and his family: Robert, Yvonne, Sean and Justine Perry all of Waterville; her dear in-laws and their family: Jan, Gail, Kevin and Jacqueline Carter; a very special aunt: Jeannette Bundyk and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey A. Carter on December 1, 2007. The family will be present in the Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street, St. Johnsville to receive relatives and friends on Wed., March 25, 2009 from 5-7 p.m. Joan’s funeral will commence at 9:15 am on Thursday, March 26th from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 10 am from St. Patrick’s Church, Center St., St. Johnsville where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Thomas Vail. She will be laid to rest in Fort Plain Cemetery with her parents and her uncle. In honor of Joan, kindly consider contributions to the H.C. Smith Benefit Club or to the Central Mohawk Valley Lion’s Club. The family would like to thank the 3rd Floor staff at Little Falls Hospital and the entire staff at St. Johnsville Nursing Home for treating Joan with care, respect and dignity during her illness.