EAST HERKIMER-Joan Irene Franklin, age 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday March 24, 2018, in her home after an extended illness. She was born on March 4, 1942, in Herkimer, daughter of the late Robert Jake and Irene Richard Jacobson. Joan was raised in East Herkimer and graduated from Herkimer High School with the class of 1960. She furthered education at SUNY Cobleskill graduating in 1962. She then went on to SUNY Brockport, graduating in 1964 with a Teaching Degree in Education. Joan first taught Kindergarten in Clinton for two years and then went on to teach Kindergarten in the Westmoreland Central School for thirty-four years. She retired in 2000. On February 11, 1970 she was united in marriage to Carlton Owen Franklin in the Herkimer Reformed Church. Their summers were spent at Moffatts Beach until 1983 when they built a camp in Lake Pleasant named the Sugar Shack which the family uses to this day. They had lived in Clinton until 1986 then returned to East Herkimer. Joan and Owen shared a loving and devoted union of twenty-two years until his passing on June 28, 1992. Mrs. Franklin had a strong faith God and led a devoted Christian life. Joan will always be remembered as lady with a true sense of community. She at one time was active with 4-H, Silver Triangle, for ten years a member of the Red Hats in Herkimer and was a member of the New York State Teachers Union. Most significantly she was a twenty-six year, founding member of the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary where she was currently serving as president. Joan was happiest when she was surrounded by her many friends and family especially her cherished grandchildren. She will be truly missed. She is survived by her son, Robert Franklin his wife Melissa and their children Logan, Nathan and Brayten, of East Herkimer, son-in-law, Phillip Knapp and children Della and Jacob, of Williamsville, two sisters, Nancy Tubia and husband Anthony, Sally Parese all of East Herkimer, several nieces, nephews, cousins and her best friend and family dog Shiloh. Besides her parents and husband Owen she was preceded in death by her daughter Jami Knapp in 2015 and brother-in-law, Patrick Parese also in 2015. Calling hours for Mrs. Franklin will be on Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. A funeral service will follow immediately after in the funeral home at 6:00 pm. Interment will take place later this spring in Mohawk Cemetery at a time to be announced. Members of East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary are asked to meet in the funeral home at 5:30 pm for ritualistic services. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Calling Hours Fenner Funeral Home Wednesday, March 28, 2018 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Funeral Service Fenner Funeral Home Wednesday, March 28, 2018 06:00 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350