Mrs. Joan D. (Cole) Malara, 91, a resident of the Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Little Falls, NY, formerly of Utica, passed away on Saturday April 25, 2026, at the nursing home with her loving family by her side. 

     Joan was born on October 1, 1934, in Reading, Pennsylvania, the daughter of George Robert and Ann (Yanchuk) Ketzel. She was raised in both Pennsylvania and Utica and graduated from Utica Free Academy. Over the years, she was employed at Oneida National Bank, later at Rome Savings Bank in New Hartford and lastly as a secretary at Dermody, Burke & Brown Certified Public Accountants, P.C. Joan had a deep love for crafts, sewing and knitting. She was known for her generosity, often donating handmade knitted mittens to others in need. Her talent was recognized when she won first place for her knitting at the Boonville Oneida County Fair. In her youth, Joan took pride in being the only female drum majorette with the Utica Drum and Bugle Corps. However, she often said that her greatest joy in life was raising her beloved family. Joan was a devoted parishioner of St. Peter’s Church in North Utica. 

  Mrs. Malara is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Janet Cole of Utica; her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen “Kate” and Bob Bushey of Deerfield; her four cherished grandchildren, John Cole, Karen Cole (Rob Pfieffer), Andrew Bushey and Cassandra Carroll (James Carroll) and her adored great granddaughter, Adalynn as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by the father of her children John E Cole, her father, George Ketzel, mother and step-father, Ann and Roy Eggenberger; two sons, James “Jimmy” Cole and Bradley Cole; her cherished grandson, Michael Cole and step-brother, Leroy Eggenberger. 

   The family extends sincere gratitude to the entire staff of the Alpine Rehabilitation & Nursing Center for their care, compassion and family atmosphere provided. 

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Joan’s Memorial Mass of Christian burial on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 422 Coventry Ave., North Utica. She will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro at the convenience of her family. Those wishing to make a donation in Joan’s memory, kindly consider the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1350 Broadway, Ste 1530, New York, NY 10018 (www.parkinsons.org) Envelopes will be available at Church.