Sailed from this earth into the arms of our Heavenly Father on 10/9/23.
Joan’s 90 year journey was filled with a zest for life, faith in our Lord, and family. She was born in Rochester, NY on 6/9/33 and no matter where life took her she was always strongly anchored to her roots. Joan attended Saint John the Evangelist grade school, Mercy high school and the University of Rochester. She began her career as a teacher in the Rochester Catholic Schools and later at Fairport HS. In 1964 she moved to the corporate world as marketing and sales professional for Hoffman-LaRoche pharmaceuticals. In 1969 she moved on to Xerox Corporation and for the next 28 years she held various technical, marketing and sales roles there. In 1998 Joan transitioned into what became the highlight and joy of her working career when she joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph as a full time volunteer in the Office for Mission Advancement. This was her opus. She had come full circle and dedicated her keen skills and abiding faith to the community; her spiritual home was found. These were her happiest and most fulfilling times.
In her leisure time Joan was most happy outdoors, especially on the water. She traveled extensively and loved nothing more than opera, a good book and a hearty Italian meal with family and friends. She was a fierce advocate for her family and was always there for us whatever the circumstance. She was just as comfortable sipping a martini at a five-star resort as she was at a backyard picnic enjoying a Zweigle’s red hot with lots and lots of onions. Her big smile and heartly laughter were a constant.
She is predeceased by her parents, Alfred L. and Marion S. Lusardi, her beloved sister Gayle McVea and her beloved feline bestie, Putti.
She is survived by her sister Celeste (Jon) Prime, brother Michael (Suzanne) Lusardi, brother-in-law William McVea, nephews W. Mark (Teresa) McVea and Matthew Lusardi; nieces Alissa (Graham) Lusardi, Sarah (Todd) Maurer, Melissa Prime and Cynthia (Jed) Weiss as well as her most cherished friend, care giver and advocate, Mary Anne Laurer.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life on Thursday, 10/12 @ 10 AM at the Sisters of Saint Joseph Motherhouse Chapel, 150 French Rd, Rochester, NY 14618 with a funeral Mass immediately following. Private, family only Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sisters of Saint Joseph, 150 French Rd, Rochester, NY 14618 or at https://www.ssjrochester.org/