Obituary of Joan Marie Race

Joan Marie (Foster) Thompson Race, age 86, passed away peacefully October 5, 2021, at the Commons on St. Anthony in Auburn, New York.  She was born January 12, 1935, in Savannah, New York to Beryl and Bessie Foster.   She was the oldest of six siblings; and is survived by two brothers: William R. Foster of Waco, Texas, and Beryl W. Foster of Auburn, New York.  She is predeceased by three siblings: Dawn L. Foster, Gary D. Foster and Arthur L. Foster.  She was also predeceased by her husbands, Lonnie H. Thompson and C. Charles Race.  She is survived by her three children: Sherri Finer, and her husband Howard of Stoughton, Massachusetts, James Thompson of Red Creek, New York, and Teresa Thompson of Auburn, New York.

Joan’s pride and joy were her five grandchildren: Brittney Thompson of Auburn, New York, Zachary Finer of Santa Barbara, California, Jacob Finer of Stoughton, Massachusetts, Thomas Thompson of Auburn, New York, and Elizabeth Finer of Stoughton, Massachusetts.  Joan was also blessed with two great grandchildren, Noah and Milo.  She had many friends, nieces, nephews, and extended family all of whom she loved dearly.

Joan was of the belief that God could not give her more than she could handle.  She worked hard all of her life, from picking potatoes on the farm, to raising three children, to working in a factory, and to being a caregiver to her many loved ones during times of need.  She was resilient, kind, and compassionate.  The only exception to her compassion was when she was playing the board game “Wahoo.” She was known to have no mercy in that game, was never afraid to boisterously celebrate when she won, and “cheated” when she thought no one was looking!  Her taunts and teases will be greatly missed by all who played that game with her.

A private ceremony will be held at the Butler-Savannah Cemetery in South Butler, New York on Friday, October 8, 2021.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Butler-Savannah Cemetery or the Countryside Methodist Church in Spring Lake, New York.