MARY J. HILL
Mary Joan (Palen) Hill, a long time resident of the Town of Ulster died October 1, 2022 following a long illness. Joan was born April 20, 1940, in Port Ewen, NY the daughter of Francis and Dorothy (Potter) Palen. She was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Hill and her parents. Joan is survived by three daughters, Edith Hill of Saugerties, Karen (Tim) Wurtz of Gardner, Susan (Ron) McKenzie of North Carolina; two sons, Philip (Valerie) Hill of Woodstock, William (Dana) Hill of Texas; 14 grandchildren; 6 greatgrandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; her brother Bruce Palen and sister Patricia Ralston. Joan earned her LPN license through St. Luke’s Hospital. She showed great compassion and was loved dearly by her patients at St. Lukes, Benedictine, Golden Hill, and Catskill hospitals. Joan carried her father’s legacy to scouting by serving as a Brownie, Girl Scout, Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. An injury on the job caused Joan to be confined to a wheelchair at the age of 43. This did not in any way deter Joan; she would crawl on her knees if needed to get a job done. She was a devoted member of the Town of Esopus United Methodist Church and served as President of Trustees. Joan was known as a “bit of a scrapper” when she came upon a problem. Her grit and determination earned her the award titled Pride of Ulster County in 2003 for her work with the TOE UMC. Joan was a member of the Town of Ulster Lions Club and was instrumental in bringing the SEE program to Ulster County. Her feisty yet loving nature inspired her to initiate and cultivate Child Safety Day for eight years in conjunction with local businesses and law enforcement. Joan was a member of the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse Commission, serving on the board of trustees and assisting in the renovation of the lighthouse. Joan’s love of God, family and community will be greatly missed. She set a shining example of compassion and love. May we all continue her legacy. The family will receive friends at Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home, 339 Broadway, Ulster Park on Thursday, October 6, 2022, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, thence to the Town of Esopus United Methodist Church, 151 W. Main St. (corner of Green St.), Port Ewen, where Pastor George Hart will officiate a funeral service. Burial will follow at Mt. Marion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Joan’s memory may be made to: Town of Esopus United Methodist Church, PO Box 699, Port Ewen, NY 12466. Visit Joan’s Book of Memories: www.GVVFH. com