October 3, 1949 – February 19, 2026

The Bates family is saddened to announce that Joan Hansen Bates peacefully passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 19 in Burlington, VT. Joan was born in Bridgeport, CT to Dwight Hansen Sr. and Frances "Fran" Hansen.

Following her high school graduation from Trumbull High School, Joan attended and graduated from the University of Vermont (UVM) with a Bachelors in Math and Accounting. While there, she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Bates. Bob and Joan were married on August 7, 1971.

During her time on campus, Joan was a Member of the Delta Delta Delta "Tri-Delts" Sorority, whose mission is: to empower women to lead bravely, act boldly, and change the world. Joan's demeanor while quiet, managed to change the world of her four children.

Joan and Bob always wanted children and when the opportunity came to adopt, they went all in. They adopted David, Rebekha and Miguel as children and later adopted one of their foster children, Jim as an adult. Their children were their world. Joan took a step back from her career to care for them until they reached an age where she was able to return and focus on her work. She loved watching her kids grow and master their extra-curricular activities, whether gymnastics, soccer, basketball, cross-country skiing, her presence, love, and encouragement were a constant.

From 1974 to 1986, she began her career as a Financial Systems Analyst at Vermont National Bank. She later opened Joan H Bates, Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in January of 1995 and ran that business until she retired in 2019.

Outside of the financial world, Joan shared Bob's passion for music. During their time at Covenant Community Church, they were members of several musical groups that led worship. Prior to that, over the years she would play the piano and sing in various church choirs, including as a soloist. She shared this love of music with her children by accompanying them on the piano as they learned their musical instruments or teaching them their choir parts.

Another love of hers was enjoying the great outdoors. Living in Vermont afforded her the opportunity to explore all that the Green Mountains had to offer. Whether camping, canoeing, or hiking, she shared it all with her family.

Joan is survived by her four children Jim Holway (Kerry), David, Miguel (Artemia), Rebekha, and her two brothers Richard (Maria Luisa) and Paul (Elaine). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Trevor, Ed, Christian, Andrew, Elise, Keziah, Max, AJ and Olivia. She is predeceased by her parents Dwight Sr. and Fran and her brother Dwight Jr.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, April 17 at 10:00 AM in-person and with a virtual option available. The in-person service will take place at Corbin & Palmer located at 9 Pleasant Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Living Well Group