The Bates family is saddened to announce that Joan Hansen Bates peacefully passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Burlington, Vt. Joan was born in Bridgeport, Conn., to Dwight Hansen Sr. and Frances Hansen.
Following her high school graduation from Trumbull High School, Joan attended and graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s in math and accounting. While there, she met the love of her life, Robert Bates. Bob and Joan were married on August 7, 1971.
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.
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 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.
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) and Rebekha; and her 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, 10 a.m., in person and with a virtual option available. The in-person service will take place at Corbin & Palmer, located at 9 Pleasant St., Essex Junction, VT 05452.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Living Well Group.