Feeney and Fenlon Families

The Joan Benton Feeney Memorial Scholarship was established in 2008 by JCC’s then Vice President for Academic Affairs Katherine Feeney Fenlon and her husband Brian. This scholarship was created to honor Joan Benton Feeney, Katherine’s mother. It memorializes Joan’s generous and resilient spirit and her belief in the power of education to change lives for the better forever.

A native of Canton, NY, Joan Benton was born on February 7, 1922. She received a BS degree in Biology from Saint Lawrence University in 1943 and a BSRN degree from Presbyterian Hospital of Columbia University in 1946. Upon graduating, she moved to Rochester where she was employed as an RN in the Eye Department of the Eastman Kodak Medical. She married Robert J. Feeney on September 5, 1949, and together they raised seven children. Throughout her life, Mrs. Feeney was an avid reader, a tireless volunteer for her church, and a strong matriarch for her family. She inspired her children to pursue education, work hard, contribute to their communities, and love their families. She died on July 28, 2007.

The scholarship in her name is intended to support the education of students who have demonstrated academic promise and financial need.

It is the hope of Joan’s family that recipients of her scholarship are aided not only financially but also by feeling the support of her encouragement and wisdom, the touch of which her children feel in their lives to this day. Joan is an inspiration and role model to all.

Jefferson Community College is grateful to the Feeney and Fenlon families for establishing this scholarship and is honored to be able to continue Joan Benton Feeney’s legacy through its students.