Obituary: Joanne Tall Of Ossining

From the family

Our hearts are full of sorrow to let you know that our beloved wife and mother, Joanne Tall, passed away suddenly and peacefully in her home on March 13, 2020.

If you are hearing of this for the first time, we are sorry. You can imagine how overwhelming this tragedy, coupled with the current health crisis, has been. When it is safe to gather in the future, we will be holding a memorial service in Joanne's honor and will send out information about that when able to do so.

Until that time, we'd like to share this link to her obituary via legacy.com/The New York Times. Although we are not able to gather in person quite yet, we ask that all of you please feel welcome to share your thoughts and memories about Joanne in the digital Guest Book. The Guest Book will be available to sign until May 11, 2020.

These tributes from AIA Westchester Hudson Valley and the Hudson Valley Writers Center also offer a view into Joanne’s rich and influential professional life.

Joanne Tall of Ossining, NY, passed away peacefully in her home on March 13, 2020, at age 58. Principal of Kamen-Tall Architects, PC, of New York. Beloved wife and business partner of Scott Kamen. Cherished mother of Abigail and Hannah Kamen.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Joanne came to New York to pursue a notable career in architecture and to establish a family with Scott, to whom she was married in 1990. Through her accomplished career, Joanne was the recipient of the New York State Excellence in Preservation Award in 2005 as well as the New York Landmark Conservancy Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award and the Preservation League of NYS Excellence Award in 2013. Joanne and Scott raised their family in Ossining, NY, where they restored and expanded a historic home, dated to 1795.

Joanne gave freely of her time and energy to create a loving home filled with art, music, great food, and interesting people. Her creativity, authenticity, depth of insight, and commitment to the betterment of human and animal well-being continued throughout her life.

In addition to being a loving mother and skilled architect, Joanne supported important community projects. She served as Commissioner of the Village of Ossining's Historic Preservation Commission; a Board Member for Ossining's IFCA Housing Network; as well as a Board Member and Officer of the Hudson Valley Writer's Center and was responsible for the restoration of its historic headquarters. Joanne's gentle, caring spirit and brilliant intellect will be sorely missed and dearly remembered.

A private funeral service is being held for the family, with a memorial to occur at a later date to be announced. Donations in Joanne's memory can be made to The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation.