Herkimer - Joan Ida Archer, 79, of Herkimer, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Wynn Hospital following a brief illness.

Joan was born on May 16, 1947 in Little Falls, New York, a daughter of the late Harold and Nella Mae Archer. Joan attended Mohawk Central Schools and graduated with the class of 1966. She was a Tri-State Truck Driver for ten years which took her to every state in the union, except Alaska and Hawaii. Joan then graduated from the Licensed Practical Nursing program in Herkimer with the class of 1989. Joan worked for several years as a nurse at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, on the Medical Inpatient unit. She then worked for several years at the Valley Health Nursing Home in Herkimer, prior to her retirement.

Joan leaves behind a nephew, Aaron Archer, whom she raised from infancy. She cherished him deeply and gave him the best. She also leaves behind three sisters, Doris Hula and her husband, Nicholas, Betty Hula and Sandra Hula; brothers, Lewis Archer and his wife, Evelyn, George Archer and his wife, Marcia and Bruce Archer; a Godson, Michael Hula and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many cousins.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Nella Mae Archer; one brother, Howard Archer; a sister-in-law, Janet Archer and a nephew, Howard Archer, Jr.

Joan's family would like to thank the doctors, the nurses and all of the staff at the Wynn Hospital for their absolute professionalism and utmost kindness, for they all operated like a wheel.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 6-7 pm at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357. Members of the Nurses Honor Guard will gather to pay tribute to Joan at 6:50 pm on Thursday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm at St. Francis de Sales Church, 219 N. Bellinger St. Herkimer, NY 13350, with Father Terence Healy and Deacon Michael Carbone, officiating. She will be laid to rest in North Columbia Cemetery in Ilion immediately following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan's memory may be made to the Mohawk Valley Nurse Honor Guard, 1354 Elizabethtown Rd. Ilion, NY 13357.

To leave condolences for Joan's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com