Joan Taitte, born January 15, 1947 in New York City, passed away peacefully August 10, 2026, at the age of 79, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Throughout her life she was known for her compassion, generosity, and sincere commitment to caring for others.
Joan grew up in and forever loved her idyllic hometown of Nutley, New Jersey and its near neighbor, the beautifully vibrant New York City. Her young years in both cities were filled with love and life, shared and made only more meaningful with extended family, countless friends, classmates, co-workers, and community. Joan always thought of herself as a “Jersey Girl”, even when her first marriage ultimately relocated her to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In the 46 years Joan lived in Albuquerque, she enjoyed great professional success. She brought intelligence, dedication, fairness, and integrity to her work. She served for several years as a Human Resource Director for Albuquerque Federal Savings and Loan, ensuring all hired personnel were aptly qualified and trained, setting themselves and the corporation up for success. She later became a self-employed consultant with her second husband, Reilly. Their largest client was Greyhound, Inc., wherein they assisted with hiring, training, compliance, regulations, and other business related tasks. This job offered she and Reilly many travel opportunities, specifically around the Southwest, California, and Mexico. They loved their time in Coronado, California. Joan eventually learned and became fluent in Spanish, which was a lovely compliment to the French language she had studied and mastered in college.
In addition to her strong Catholic faith, Joan loved her family and friends above all else. She was a kind, present, grateful and loving daughter, wife, sister, mother, aunt, and friend. She had a knack for creating a beautiful home and a welcoming environment. One of her greatest gifts was in getting to know someone, “interviewing” as she would say, so she could truly connect, learn from, and bond with another. For fun she loved caring for and naming the many animals she and Reilly had at their ranch in northern New Mexico. She excitedly lit her Christmas tree at the precise time as the Rockefeller Tree in NYC; she cherished all time with family, especially visits to New Jersey, Florida, or San Antonio; she knew precisely how to tell a story; relished her many favorite movies, singing those golden oldies, shopping trips to Kohls, and loved that perfect glass of Chardonnay at days end. In her more recent years she became involved with a wonderful writers group, serving as Editor, which was perfect as she had such a command of the English language. She served as a Board Member of her Homeowners Association and also became a proud graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy. She was able to finally put her French to good use on two separate visits to Paris and France in 2013 and 2014, a truly magical and fun time for her and her family.
Joan found purpose in active and dedicated volunteer work with two Hospice organizations, Hospice de la Luz in Albuquerque and Hospice House in Williamsburg, Virginia. She valued simply being present for others, offering comfort, companionship, and a listening ear to individuals during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Joan relocated to Williamsburg, Virginia in 2017 to be closer to her daughter and her family. This season of her life was filled with time with grandchildren, travel, volunteering, and the formation of many new friendships. Her connection to Hospice House held a particularly special meaning. What began as an opportunity to give her time and compassion to others eventually became a place of care and comfort for Joan herself, when she later became a patient. The same community she had once served as a volunteer was there to care for her in her final days, bringing her journey with Hospice full circle. Joan’s willingness to walk alongside others during their most vulnerable moments remains one of the lasting examples of the kindness and compassion that defined her life.
Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband Reilly; her parents Mary and Joseph; and her cherished dogs, Spike and Sadie.
She leaves behind her daughter, Kathleen, and her husband Kevin, and their children, Kaitlyn, Aidan, and Kelsey; her sister Virginia Harrison (Mark); nephews Jay and Scott Harrison and their families; brother Steve Werner (Kathy); nephew Chris Werner and niece Kate Mason and their families; step-mother Ellen Werner; step-daughter Marci James and family; and numerous friends and loved ones who will remember her with great affection.
Joan’s life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass at St. Bede’s Catholic Church on October 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that any memorial contributions be made to Williamsburg Hospice House in Joan’s memory, supporting the organization that held such a meaningful place in her life.
Special thanks to the many angels who helped Kathy and her family care for Joan. Each offered consistent dignity, compassion, and love….specifically Riverside Hospice of Williamsburg, Elite Elder Care, and Hospice House of Williamsburg.
