Joanie A. Maclay, 87, died on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at her home.
Joanie was born on December 11, 1938, in Rutland, Vt., and was the daughter of Parke H. Austin and Harriet E. Lyons.
Joanie worked for veterinary offices in both Connecticut and Vermont before being hired as a laboratory technician at the State of Vermont’s Health Department Laboratory. She held this position for 25 years. She was an active member of the Vermont State Employees’ Association and served as president of the Retirees’ Chapter after retiring.
She had a lifelong passion for horses (especially the Morgan horse) and generously shared this passion with her niece. Joanie was a member of the Vermont Morgan Horse Association and served as a volunteer coordinator for the Champlain Valley Fair. She was an avid reader, bargain hunter and recipe collector. Joanie was a proud Vermonter and a one-of-a-kind character. Her family, friends and coworkers will miss her kindness, thoughtfulness and sense of humor.
Joanie is survived by her niece, Kimberly L. Cook, and Kim’s husband, Douglas P. Cook, of South Strafford, Vt., and their family.
The family will honor the life of Joanie privately and will not be holding a public service or gathering.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Vermont Morgan Horse Association, Treasurer: Barbara Estey, 1641 Spoonerville Rd., Chester, VT 05143.
Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home of Essex Junction, Vt., is in charge of the arrangements.
To view an online guestbook, go to vtfuneralhomes.com/about/corbin-and-palmer-funeral-home.