Joan F. Holen

Joan F. (Couchman) Holen, age 80, formerly of Ilion, passed away peacefully, on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Valley Health Services, Herkimer, with her family by her side.

She was born on October 20, 1944, in Ilion, the daughter of George and Mary Corlista (Watkins) Couchman, and graduated from Herkimer High School. Joan was married to Orion T. Holen, Jr., on April 8, 2006, in Palmyra, VA. She was employed as a Technician, at MDS, in Herkimer, for many years. Joan loved animals, and often rescued cats.

Surviving family members include her husband, Orion T. Holen, Jr.; her sister and brother-in-law, Barb and John Wainwright; her son, Marc Omerzu; her step-children, Miles and Summer Holen; her grandchildren, Nikolas Omerzu, Timothy Omerzu, Corlista Rhodes, and Andrew Rhodes, Jr.; her nephews, Kevin Murphy and his wife, Jo-Anne and Tim Murphy and his wife, Roxanne; and several cousins.

Joan was predeceased by her daughter, Kristin Mary Rhodes.

A Graveside Celebration of Joan’s Life and Prayer Services will be held 12:30 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Oak Hill Cemetery, West German Street, in Herkimer.

Anyone wishing to share a memory of Joan, or add to her online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com on the Internet.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 State Rte 5S, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will also be available at the Oak Hill Cemetery Services.

Joan’s service arrangements were prearranged, and are entrusted to her Family Funeral Director, and long-time family friend, Don Applegate, at Applegate, Enea and Ciaccia Family Funeral Directors, of Ilion (315-895-7722).