Joan R. Corson

May 24, 1935 – June 20, 2026

Joan R. Kuzak Melaro Corson – Mother, Grandmother, Sister, who shared her generous spirit, great strength, and remarkable grace.

Olean – Joan R. Corson, of Olean, passed away Saturday (June 20, 2026) at the Pines, surrounded by her family.

Joan was born in Hinsdale on May 24, 1935, the daughter of Constance and Bernice Kuzak. She married Joe Melaro on July 3,1954 who predeceased her in 1993.  On February 7, 2005, she married Charles Corson, who predeceased her in 2025.

Joan attended Hinsdale Central High School. She worked for FH Oakleaf, St. Bonaventure, Century Warehouse, and Hallmark Remembrance House.  She was involved with the Girl Scouts and Pulaski Club Auxiliary. As a devoted Catholic, she served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister for Transfiguration and St. John’s Parishes.  Joan loved to cook and bake; her children and family were her priority.

Joan, JoAnn or Joannie…however you knew her…lived a life that was an absolute gift to everyone, especially her family.  She was a woman of extreme faith, quiet strength, utmost grace, and immeasurable gratitude.  Our Mom was the consummate caregiver…of everyone.  She had the kindest spirit that touched the hearts of so many people.  Mom provided all her ‘Js’ with a happy, fulfilling childhood full of the best memories a kid could have.  She was a loving and selfless friend, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother who made time for virtually everyone, despite her busy schedule.  She had so much energy, it was truly inspiring.  Mom was a reliable, supportive, caring friend who made people smile every day, even in their troubled times.  She was a loving wife who kept the household running smoothly, including after she started to work outside the home.  She was a shining example of doing the right thing…always.  Mom was extremely strong and endured a great deal of pain and heartache throughout her lifetime, but her solid faith always guided her and held her up.  She continued to be that strong woman through these recent years when her health issues became insurmountable, but her beautiful soul remained a force of love and light.  A special thank you to the friends and family members who continued to visit Mom in these past months, as well as the amazing caregivers at the Pines in Olean…your kindness and support mean the world to her children.  Mom leaves us all with the deepest gratitude for her sacrifices and infinite love that raised us, and she is missed more than words can say.  

Joan is survived by two daughters, Jan (Bob Blovsky) Melaro and Judy (Tom) Gavigan; son, Joseph (Laura) Melaro; stepdaughters, Amy (Michael) Kieta and Meg (Todd) Thomas; grandchildren, Brock(Sarah) Blovsky, Nick (Samantha) Blovsky, Jake (Jenna) Melaro, Noah Melaro, Cami (Jordan) Rackley, Katie (Jeff) Oldenberg, Dan(Robin) Gavigan, David Gavigan, Emily (Chris) Botkin, Rebecca Stout and Joey Stout, Vicki Melaro and Katie Melaro,

step-grandchildren Eric Earley, Troy (Kristina) Earley, Todd, Shane, and Lauren Thomas; siblings, Don (Marylyn) Kuzak, Dick (Vivian) Kuzak, and Nancy (Larry) Doner, and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Besides her husbands, Joan was predeceased by her children, Jim Melaro, Jeannie Melaro Stout, and Joyce Ann Melaro; siblings, Ed Kuzak and Betty Spears.

Family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 27, at St. John’s Church in Olean at 9:30 a.m.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation/Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Help at alz.org 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com