Joan Ann LaFayette

Joan Ann LaFayette (Evans), age 93, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 25th, 2026. Joan lived a life defined by services, faith, and resilience. A devoted Christian, she dedicated herself to helping others and remained steadfast in her beliefs throughout her life. In her final days, she was lovingly surrounded by family at the Hospice Home in New Hartford, NY.

Joan was one of the most courageous and determined individuals, overcoming life's many challenges with grace and strength. She was deeply loved by her family and friends and was blessed to share joyful moments with much of her extended family in her later years. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support, kind words, and cherished memories shared by those who knew her.

She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur Evans and Evelyn Vaeth, her aunt Mary (Mimi), her sister Elizabeth Evans, her brother Robert Evans, her sister Marilyn, her husband Donald LaFayette, her daughter Ann Nesbit (Dulan), her stepson Gary LaFayette, her grandsons Gary LaFayette Jr., and Aiden Grems, and her lifelong friend Margo Kalwara.

Joan is survived by her sister-in-law, Agnes Evans (wife of the late Robert Evans), her stepson John Lafayette (Rita), her daughters, Sandra Rivers (David), Deborah Fitch (Robert), Laney Dulan, her son David LaFayette (Shelly) and her step daughter-in-law Cheryl (wife of the late Gary Lafayette). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren; Lori Grems (Matt), Jay LaFayette (Stacey), Scott Harrig (Jennifer Lewis), Alicia Harrig (Tom Dianne), Heather Fludd (Kenneth), Brian Boyd (Lori Fortuna), Jessica Morey (Ted), Amanda Nichols (Chris) and Rebecca Fitch (Jay Steuart), Kathy Munch (Russell), Eric LaFayette (Nadine), and grandsons Kyle Egert, Cole Cossingham and Chris Markham. In addition, she is survived by 22 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and her cherished nieces, Pam (Perry), Brenda (Ron), Heidi (Jim) and nephew Jeff (Joan) and their children and grandchildren, each a testament to Joans enduring legacy.

Joans family would like to thank the Masonic Care Community and Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Joan.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be a church service for Joan on Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 12:00pm at the St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 78 Second Street, Ilion, NY 13357, officiated by Father K. Hunter. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica at a later date at the convenience of her family.

In lieu of flowers, Joans family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 78 Second Street, Ilion, NY 13357.

Joan’s obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.