Joan Bower Pilner

Joan Margaret Bower Pilner, 89, passed away peacefully at home on February 2, 2020. She empowered her family with her love and devotion to them. A strong women who encouraged her family to dream big, seek knowledge and serve others, she will be greatly missed. Born in Bronx, NY on September 9, 1930 to Euphemia and John Bower she moved to Lake Carmel, NY as a young girl and was a graduate of Carmel High School. Joan continued her education at SUNY Potsdam where she earned a BA in Music. Returning to Carmel, she married the love of her life Chester Eugene Pilner, raised her family there and was a music teacher in neighboring Brewster, NY. Joan was an active member in music worship at Drew United Methodist Church. After the passing of her beloved in 1977, Joan continued her education at University of Connecticut, earned a MSW and spent many years counseling and healing families afflicted with substance abuse.
Joan is survived by her Daughters Valerie Jean Pilner Denney, (husband Joel William Denney) and Jennifer Ann Pilner Rosinski who all now reside in South Carolina. Her legacy of love and gentleness continue to thrive in her Grandchildren Christopher John Denney, Rachel Lynne Denney, Robert Anthony Rosinski (wife Clarissa Gomez Rosinski), Amanda Rosinski Short (husband Brian Scott Short), Victoria Nicole Rosinski (fiancée Michael Joseph Sit) and her Great Grandchildren Gavin Samuel Rosinski, Grayson Issac Rosinski and Easton James Short.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 4th from 6-8 PM at Palmetto Funeral Home, Ft. Mill SC. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8th, 11 AM at Cherokee Presbyterian Church, Gilbert SC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Hospice and Palliative Care Palmetto Region 1057 Red Ventures Drive, Ft. Mill SC 29707 or on their website hpccr.org.

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