Joan B. GortonHamilton-On October 16, 2020, from the comforts of her home, Joan reluctantly parted from this world to start planning reunions in a new venue. Joan Lucetta Basher Gorton, daughter of William and Esma (Ronspees) Basher, was born on May 18, 1935 in Utica, New York. She was a graduate of Hamilton High School's class of 1953, where she met her high school sweetheart, Walt Gorton. She remained close to many of her alumni classmates both near and far. Her beloved friends never let her think she was alone for one minute, providing love, support and encouragement through the years Phone calls, letters, visits, you name it, they were there no matter the situation to providing support her life.After graduating from Hamilton, Joan graduated from Central City Business Institute (CCBI) in Syracuse where she was a member of Alpha Iota and became a medical secretary. A lifelong resident of Hamilton she worked at Community Memorial Hospital, as well as the offices of Dr. George Gillmore, Sandra MacKinnon, and Dr. Michael Spellicy during her varied career. She often spoke of the days before the scheduling of appointments (first come first served) and patients paying their bill with livestock She continued to participate in the hospital retirees group meeting for coffee and friendship once a month. She enjoyed spending time going for adventures like the infamous 100-mile trip for a cup of coffee that her dad never let her live down. Joan was well known for her ability to keep track of her fellow HCS classmates near and far, even in the days before computers. The "group was known to gather around the kitchen table whenever someone was visiting the area. After Walt's death, she enjoyed the fellowship the local widow's group as well as volunteering at Worn Again and for WIC. Joan is survived by daughter Linda of Hamilton; son Rick and his wife Wanda of Morrisville; three grandchildren, Heather, Ben and Heidi; an adopted son, David; as well as adopted daughters Sue Lane and Kelly Moyer. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Walt and her daughter Lori. She is also survived by her brother John Basher and his wife Charmaine, a sister Carol Duheme, a sister-in-law Dorothy Soule, along with a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends Jean Reynolds, Don Fisher, Darlene Maitland, Michelle Gulbran, Sandra MacKinnon, Shirley Jantzen, Beattie Lamb, Faith Rodman, and Jake Merkt, along with numerous others were there for assistance, friendship, love and support throughout her life and especially during her valiant fight.Joan appreciated the outpouring of support and encouragement the staff at the Upstate Chemo and Radiation offices in Oneida along with Dr. Jennifer Congden.Services will be private and for the family. Joan's final wish was for people to spend time together and create memories that can last long after someone is gone. Joan's family have entrusted her care to the Paul Funeral Home of Madison. To offer a condolence or share a memory, please visit: paulfuneralhome.netIn lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hamilton Fire Fountain Company #1, Hamilton, New York or the Eaton Ambulance, Eaton, New York.