Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
CANTON - In Loving Memory of Joan Lambert; April 2, 1944 – October 16, 2026.
Joan Lambert died on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the age of 82.
Joan was the beloved wife of Fred Suchy and a loving mother to Janet Stebbins, Jeffrey Whittaker, and Jon Whittaker.
Joan was a dedicated and compassionate nurse who spent much of her career at United Helpers. She also served as Director of Nursing at Moongate Nursing Home, where she provided leadership and devoted herself to the care and well-being of its residents.
One of Joan’s proudest accomplishments was earning her nursing degree while raising three small children. Despite the demands of motherhood and school, she persevered and earned a place on the Dean’s List—a testament to her determination, dedication, and commitment to both her family and her career.
In the early 1980s, Joan enjoyed acting with the Grass River Players. Her love of acting later led to a special role in which she portrayed an elderly woman to help teach caregivers what it means to grow old. Through this work, she helped caregivers better understand the challenges and experiences of aging, combining her acting talent with her lifelong dedication to caring for others.
In retirement, Joan remained active and involved in her community. For several years, she served as church secretary at the United Methodist Church in Canton, generously sharing her time and talents with a place that was important to her.
Joan also developed a deep passion for genealogy. She devoted countless hours to researching her family’s history and tracing her roots. Her efforts resulted in a family tree that reached all the way back to the 1700s, preserving a valuable part of her family’s heritage for future generations.
Joan leaves behind her husband, Fred; her children, Janet Stebbins, Jeffrey Whittaker, and Jon Whittaker; her brother Ed Lambert; her grandchildren, Cory Stebbins and Tory Settle; her great-grandchildren, Kitrena (Owen) Stebbins, Greyson Zahm, Calvin Stebbins, and Layla Stebbins.
Joan’s life was marked by determination, compassion, creativity, and a deep appreciation for family. From raising her children while pursuing her education, to caring for others as a nurse, sharing her talent for acting, serving her church, and preserving her family’s history, she leaves behind a lasting legacy.
She will be deeply missed by her family and by all those whose lives she touched.
A celebration of life will be held at the Best Western University Inn in Canton on Saturday, October 24th starting at 4 pm.
Rest in peace, Joan. You will always be loved and remembered.
Tributes, condolences and photos may be shared by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org.
