Joan Margurite Dolfinger Schroeder

Published 10:30 am Tuesday, July 1, 2025

May 21, 1932 – June 14, 2025

With great love and deep sadness, we share the peaceful passing of Joan Margurite Dolfinger Schroeder, who entered eternal rest at her home in Tryon, North Carolina, on June 14, 2025.

Joan was born on May 21, 1932, in Manhasset, New York, the cherished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert William Dolfinger. On June 4, 1952, Joan married the love of her life, William Samuel “Bill” Schroeder, in the first military wedding ever held at Christ Episcopal Church in Manhasset, NY. Together, they shared a remarkable 60 years of marriage — until his passing on May 13, 2012, in Vero Beach, Florida — creating a legacy of faith, devotion, and service.

A devoted wife, loving mother, and faithful follower of Christ, Joan lived each day with grace, warmth, and a joyful heart. As a proud and adventurous military wife, she embraced life’s journey with open arms, living in places like Germany, Hawaii, Alaska, Georgia, Kentucky, Kansas, and Florida — before settling in the beautiful foothills of Tryon, NC, which she proudly called home since 2012. Joan was the epitome of an elegant hostess, well known for her unforgettable dinner parties and her love of gathering loved ones around a beautifully set table. She delighted in cooking, traveling, spirited games of bridge, garden club gatherings, and treasured summers with family in Saint Augustine Beach, FL.

Joan’s life was one of elegance, strength, and heartfelt generosity— a life well-lived and deeply loved. To many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was simply and affectionately called ‘Amy’ — a name that came to embody kindness, compassion and a comforting presence. Her memory will remain a guiding light to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom she so deeply loved.

Joan is survived by her son, William Wayne Schroeder (preceded in death by his wife, Christa), her daughter Karen Plante (Roger), and Vincent Ball, MD. She leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Bradley Hodges, Ashley Cornelius, Christine Schroeder, Daniel Hodges (Lauren), William Kirk Schroeder (Alicja), Ryan Ball, Jordyn Ball, and Sydney Ball. Her legacy continues through her eight great-grandchildren—Riley Hodges, Sophia Hodges, Savannah Weaver, William Cornelius, Luke Schroeder, Christian Hodges, Claire Cornelius, and Lilly Schroeder; cherished nieces and nephews: Tom Holleran (Linda), John Holleran (JoAnn), Janet Errico (Paul), Barbara Bosch (Kenneth), Jimmie Holleran (Kathleen), Kathy Dolfinger Singh (Tom), and Alicia Dolfinger. She is also remembered by many great-grandnephews and great-grandnieces, of whom she especially treasured holidays shared with Maya and Aryana Singh. Joan was lovingly cared for in Tryon, NC, by a village that became like family: Kathy Simpson and husband Larry, along with Danielle Tirado, surrounded her with warmth and tenderness, helping her live out her days with grace — like angels walking beside her. Their compassion and companionship will never be forgotten by the Schroeder family.

Joan will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Colonel William Samuel Schroeder, at West Point, NY. A service celebrating Joan’s life will be held on July 11, 2025, at 11 AM at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Tryon, NC. Following the service, family, friends and loved ones are warmly invited to a reception at the church to honor her beautiful spirit and the joy she brought to so many.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel

Tryon, North Carolina