Joan was a neighbor and friend of mine at Stonewood Towers in Cocoa Beach, FL. I would see her mostly down at the pool or hot tub or at Clubhouse parties. She enjoyed dressing up at parties, once dressing up as a hobo at an Halloween Party and I had no idea who is was until she talked. One never knew what to expect from Joan. She would tell us stories of her antics to make us laugh. I suggested that she write the stories down; it would make a hilarious book. She said that I should write the book because she no longer could remember all those stories. She would say, “Did I do that?”
She enjoyed going out for lunches or dinners with her neighbors, when she wasn’t playing cards and joining us at concerts at a local church. Joan was very generous to charities and, therefore, would get many phone calls and solicitations. She would always offer anything that she couldn’t use to all of us. She loved making people laugh even when the joke was on her.
I missed Joan when she moved away from Stonewood and was able to visit her once at her new place. I will keep her in my prayers. I very much enjoyed reading about her life before she moved to Stonewood. Indeed, she was a most remarkable woman.
Thanks, Gloria. I hope you can come to her Memorial (Nov. 29 in Cocoa Beach) and maybe we could talk more. I've love to write down these stories. Patsy
Just heard back from her other friends saying that the Celebration of Life is being limited to just family. Please let me know, so I can clarify it with her friends. Thanks a lot. We certain can understand if it has to be limited to family.
I shared the date with her closest friends here at Stonewood. Thanks for the information. We will all save the date. Look forward to taking with you then.
And Electric Ave - sounds like something out of a movie. Must have been an exciting time to live in Buffalo, especially when things picked up during/after the war
And your Mom took a leap in hiring me when I was 14? years-old -- my first job ever. She even gave me a book one Christmas that I kept forever, and disappeared during one of my moves.
Is your mom going to be in Florida in November? I did try texting her a few weeks ago, but I may not have had the right number.
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing and so glad you were able to be there with her. I am impressed that you found new things to talk about on your daily phone calls. I call my mom every evening, but neither of us ever has anything new.
This is such a great obit! I remember your mom's laugh, which was frequent and robust. You talk about her painting, but failed to mention what a good artist she was! She was incredibly talented (you almost didn't get that watercolor of hers that I found at a thrift store, it is a fabulous piece).
It's interesting that she was born on Electric Ave in Blasdell...my father worked on Electric in Blasdell for as long as he was working in Buffalo. And your dad is from PA? So was mine (my mom, too). As long as I am talking about the small world, the house my husband's family was living in when he was born turns out to be the first house I bought as a young adult (maybe not so unlikely a coincidence as I've also lived in the same apartment as one of my coworkers and one of my bosses...I guess I lived in way too many places not to have some coincidences).
You have a couple mixups, which I fbring up only because I'm guessing you would be happy to have it right or maybe one of your kids one day will want to dig up more info and corrections would help.
Wanakah would be the spelling. That Stella Niagara bit is intriguing and confusing as it is way the hell out in Lewiston, NY, though Wikipedia says the high school did offer boarding. But you talk about the Niagara Falls mafia (mafia also were and still are active in Buffalo), so perhaps her family lived out in Niagara County for a while? Immaculata high school was in Hamburg, not Buffalo (you have been to high school dances in their gym, do you remember...that's where I met your cousin, Charlie).
Did she meet your dad at Snyder Tank? Or is my memory correct: I think I remember her saying once "I met George in a gin mill."
I remember your mom's involvement in the stock market, the foreign exchange students, the meditation/religion stuff (what was her tag line at one point..."better and better?") and the milkman who used to let himself in, put on the kettle and sit himself down at the kitchen table. I remember your very creative (bright green?) bedroom furniture.
Your parents always made your house such a welcoming place. I have fond memories of spending time there, a party or two that you threw, and campfires in the woods.
My Mom did go to boarding school in Niagara Falls! But only for a few years. Yes, she met George "in a gin mill." My Mom was a big flirt -- she always wanted to make people happy.
My Dad grew up in Bangor, PA.
Thanks for the Wanakah.
I need to drive out to Orchard Park sometime so we can talk.
And yes, I have VERY bright green furniture and pink curtains -- and if I remember correctly, I painted the furniture and sewed the curtains.
Patsy- I’m sorry to hear about Joan. We always enjoyed having dinner with her. You would never knew where the conversation would go. She was a very caring soul. She will be missed! With love, from Eric and the rest of the Adelman family.
Patsy, Thank you for that wonderful memorial to your Mother. She was a second Mother to me, and everything you wrote resonated with me. Cole Road was a wonderful place to grow up, especially with your family so nearby. I have kept in touch with Bryan, and I also kept in touch with your Mom for a while on FB. All the best to you and your family! I’m so glad I found this. Michael
Nice to hear from you. It was a crazy upbringing. My mom had the best time with your mom. And guess what: I taught high school science for a while, the idea, in part, from your mom. Those early experiences in life are so powerful.
I'm sorry about David. I hope the rest of your brilliant family is well. If you're ever in Ithaca, let me know.
Joan was a neighbor and friend of mine at Stonewood Towers in Cocoa Beach, FL. I would see her mostly down at the pool or hot tub or at Clubhouse parties. She enjoyed dressing up at parties, once dressing up as a hobo at an Halloween Party and I had no idea who is was until she talked. One never knew what to expect from Joan. She would tell us stories of her antics to make us laugh. I suggested that she write the stories down; it would make a hilarious book. She said that I should write the book because she no longer could remember all those stories. She would say, “Did I do that?”
She enjoyed going out for lunches or dinners with her neighbors, when she wasn’t playing cards and joining us at concerts at a local church. Joan was very generous to charities and, therefore, would get many phone calls and solicitations. She would always offer anything that she couldn’t use to all of us. She loved making people laugh even when the joke was on her.
I missed Joan when she moved away from Stonewood and was able to visit her once at her new place. I will keep her in my prayers. I very much enjoyed reading about her life before she moved to Stonewood. Indeed, she was a most remarkable woman.
Thanks, Gloria. I hope you can come to her Memorial (Nov. 29 in Cocoa Beach) and maybe we could talk more. I've love to write down these stories. Patsy
Just heard back from her other friends saying that the Celebration of Life is being limited to just family. Please let me know, so I can clarify it with her friends. Thanks a lot. We certain can understand if it has to be limited to family.
I will get some clarification and let you know. Patsy
I shared the date with her closest friends here at Stonewood. Thanks for the information. We will all save the date. Look forward to taking with you then.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mother sounds like she was a remarkable woman.
We are all remarkable in our own way -- thanks for the reminder, Amy.
What a perfect ending to this piece!
And Electric Ave - sounds like something out of a movie. Must have been an exciting time to live in Buffalo, especially when things picked up during/after the war
True, you never knew where the conversation would go. She always kept people guessing.
Hi Heidi and Eric,
Thank you. I love that word spunk.
And your Mom took a leap in hiring me when I was 14? years-old -- my first job ever. She even gave me a book one Christmas that I kept forever, and disappeared during one of my moves.
Is your mom going to be in Florida in November? I did try texting her a few weeks ago, but I may not have had the right number.
Patsy
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing and so glad you were able to be there with her. I am impressed that you found new things to talk about on your daily phone calls. I call my mom every evening, but neither of us ever has anything new.
This is such a great obit! I remember your mom's laugh, which was frequent and robust. You talk about her painting, but failed to mention what a good artist she was! She was incredibly talented (you almost didn't get that watercolor of hers that I found at a thrift store, it is a fabulous piece).
It's interesting that she was born on Electric Ave in Blasdell...my father worked on Electric in Blasdell for as long as he was working in Buffalo. And your dad is from PA? So was mine (my mom, too). As long as I am talking about the small world, the house my husband's family was living in when he was born turns out to be the first house I bought as a young adult (maybe not so unlikely a coincidence as I've also lived in the same apartment as one of my coworkers and one of my bosses...I guess I lived in way too many places not to have some coincidences).
You have a couple mixups, which I fbring up only because I'm guessing you would be happy to have it right or maybe one of your kids one day will want to dig up more info and corrections would help.
Wanakah would be the spelling. That Stella Niagara bit is intriguing and confusing as it is way the hell out in Lewiston, NY, though Wikipedia says the high school did offer boarding. But you talk about the Niagara Falls mafia (mafia also were and still are active in Buffalo), so perhaps her family lived out in Niagara County for a while? Immaculata high school was in Hamburg, not Buffalo (you have been to high school dances in their gym, do you remember...that's where I met your cousin, Charlie).
Did she meet your dad at Snyder Tank? Or is my memory correct: I think I remember her saying once "I met George in a gin mill."
I remember your mom's involvement in the stock market, the foreign exchange students, the meditation/religion stuff (what was her tag line at one point..."better and better?") and the milkman who used to let himself in, put on the kettle and sit himself down at the kitchen table. I remember your very creative (bright green?) bedroom furniture.
Your parents always made your house such a welcoming place. I have fond memories of spending time there, a party or two that you threw, and campfires in the woods.
My Mom did go to boarding school in Niagara Falls! But only for a few years. Yes, she met George "in a gin mill." My Mom was a big flirt -- she always wanted to make people happy.
My Dad grew up in Bangor, PA.
Thanks for the Wanakah.
I need to drive out to Orchard Park sometime so we can talk.
And yes, I have VERY bright green furniture and pink curtains -- and if I remember correctly, I painted the furniture and sewed the curtains.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I spoke to my mom last night and the stories!
I remember her spunk, kindness and beautiful artwork !
Thoughts are with you and your family.
Heidi Adelman (Estelle Adelman is my mom)
Patsy- I’m sorry to hear about Joan. We always enjoyed having dinner with her. You would never knew where the conversation would go. She was a very caring soul. She will be missed! With love, from Eric and the rest of the Adelman family.
Patsy, Thank you for that wonderful memorial to your Mother. She was a second Mother to me, and everything you wrote resonated with me. Cole Road was a wonderful place to grow up, especially with your family so nearby. I have kept in touch with Bryan, and I also kept in touch with your Mom for a while on FB. All the best to you and your family! I’m so glad I found this. Michael
Hi Michael,
Nice to hear from you. It was a crazy upbringing. My mom had the best time with your mom. And guess what: I taught high school science for a while, the idea, in part, from your mom. Those early experiences in life are so powerful.
I'm sorry about David. I hope the rest of your brilliant family is well. If you're ever in Ithaca, let me know.
Patsy