Joan Raftery Austin, 72, of Orleans, VT passed away after a valiant battle with cancer on February 17, 2025, in Newport, VT. She was born on October 10, 1952, in Oakridge, TN to the late Bob and Kitty Bennett.

Joanie was a well renowned figure within the Orleans County school system, where she was known as "Nurse Joanie" to the countless students she helped over 26 years.  Joanie began her nursing career with a BSN from Villanova University where she enlisted in the Naval ROTC program during her academic nursing program.  Joanie was a Navy Nurse during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander before her discharge.

In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, quilting, jewelry making, skiing, reading, camping at Long Pond and in the RV with Toyota Camper groups, and vacationing with friends in Mexico. She also enjoyed spending time with her local friends, her "game dames", and the friends she made in the military. She was a member of the VT School Nurse Association and the American Legion Post #23 in Orleans.

Joanie is survived by her husband and best friend, Larry Austin; her daughter Kathryn Raftery and Kathryn's children Olivia and Ansel; her daughter Chesley Austin and her partner James Peverill; and her son Derek Austin, his wife Jenn and their children Chessa, Riley, Lyla, and Grace.  Joanie is also survived by her sister, Karen Bennett, and her niece Amelia Woodard, and by many extended family members.

Joanie was predeceased by her children James Raftery III, Robert Raftery and Molly Raftery.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family and if desired, memorial contributions in Joanie's honor may be made to the Nature Conservancy at nature.org, an organization that Joanie and her family have directly benefited from through protection of land and trails around Long Pond in Westmore.  Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.