Joan Paula Fogarassy

Joan was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 18, 1945, the daughter of Adelaide and Abraham Shapiro. She graduated from Brookline High School in 1963 and Simmons College in 1967. Joan worked for Katz, Jacobs, and Douglas Advertising Agency on Madison Avenue in NYC before meeting her late husband, Peter Fogarassy, on a blind date. They married in 1969.

She was a loving daughter, humorous sister, adoring wife, guiding mother, and proud Nana. She was a stunning, vibrant, curious, wise, and graceful woman who will be remembered for her humor, intellect, and devotion to her family. She was artistic and creative. She was a gifted writer whose bright mind, quick wit, and generous nature touched all who knew her. She had a unique ability to see and perfect the beauty around her, the quintessential homemaker and hostess. She maintained a lifelong interest in travel, the arts, antiques, interior design, fashion, and an abundance of beautifying cosmetics. Her smile and laughter were never-ending. Her husband of 41 joyous and glamorous years, Peter Fogarassy, was the love of her life while her two girls carried her through it - one on each arm. Her adored grandchildren were her shining stars. Her absence creates a giant void in the lives of those she touched.

Joan is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Kadis (Jonathon) and Mara Buxbaum (Jon), both of Raleigh, NC; two brothers, Howard Shapiro (Shelley) of Atlanta, GA, and Roy Shapiro (Ann) of Rancho Mirage, CA; and her six treasured grandchildren Lexi, Madison, and Owen Kadis and Ben, Drew, and Nate Buxbaum.

Thank you to all the kind and dedicated caregivers. Joan was laid to rest at the Jewish Hebrew Cemetery in Raleigh, NC, on August 26, 2022. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Joan’s memory may be made to the Judaic Art Gallery of the NC Museum of Art Foundation, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Fogarassy family.