Joan Lupean Glenzer, 83, of Fredonia passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA, surrounded by her loving family, following an extended illness. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, sparkling blue eyes, and fierce dedication to her family.
Joan was born on April 19, 1934 in the Fredonia home in which she lived her entire life. She was the daughter of the late Edward L. Lupean and Hattie Miller Lupean.
Joan was a 1951 graduate of Fredonia High School. In 1958, she married the love of her life, Jack Glenzer, with whom she raised a family and spent the rest of her life. She was an active member of St. Joseph's Church.
Joan was the original "Super Mom." After high school, she began working for SUNY Fredonia as an account clerk in 1951. While working full time and raising her family, she completed her bachelor's degree in 1974 from the Empire State College and was promoted multiple times. During her career, she served on numerous campus committees and associations. She was nominated for a Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Administration for the 1977-1978 academic year. In 1985, Joan was promoted to Vice President for Finance and Personnel, becoming the first female vice president at SUNY Fredonia. She retired from that position in 1990. In addition to her own career, Joan was an active participant in and supporter of her husband's two successful campaigns for Chautauqua County Executive, during which she became known as his "secret weapon."
In addition to her trailblazing professional career, she was the first woman asked to join the Fredonia Rotary Club and was a former Board member of the Chautauqua County AAA and the WCA Home. She was also a past member of many civic and professional organizations, including the Chautauqua County Girl Scout Council, the Chautauqua County Association for the Arts, the SUNY Business Officers Association, Lions Club, and the Dunkirk-Fredonia Zonta Club. She was an active volunteer at St. Joseph's Church and served on many parish councils and committees.
Following her retirement, Joan became a passionate and competitive tennis player. She played regularly until her illness in March 2017. In her late 70s, she and a partner won a doubles title at the Chautauqua Tennis Club. She was also a former Board Member and Treasurer for the Club.
Joan is survived by her husband of nearly 59 years, John (Jack) Glenzer, former Chautauqua County Executive; and two children, Jana Goodrich (Michael) of Erie, PA and Jeff Glenzer (Lisa) of Germantown, MD. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Christine Goodrich of New York, NY, Patrick Goodrich (Megan) of Erie, PA, Elizabeth Glenzer and Paige Glenzer, both of Germantown, MD. She is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Nora Grace Goodrich and Anna Rose Goodrich, both of Erie, PA. She is survived by one brother, Robert Lupean; and one sister, Gail Drummond. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by one child, Todd Edward Glenzer; and three brothers, Charles Lupean, Edward Lupean and Norman Lupean.
Calls may be made Sunday, November 19 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM at the Larson-Timko Funeral Home, 20 Central Avenue, Fredonia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church, 145 E. Main Street, Fredonia on Monday, November 20 at 1:00 PM (please assemble at church). A Celebration of Life reception will follow the funeral mass at the Williams Center on the SUNY Fredonia xampus from 2:30-4:30 PM. Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Dr. John A. & Joan L. Glenzer Endowment for the Performing Arts, c/o Fredonia College Foundation, 272 Central Ave, Fredonia, NY 14063.
