Joan Elaine Roman

Joan Elaine Roman, 84, passed on April 28, 2022, in Ocala, Florida. She was born in Flint, Michigan, on April 9, 1938, the fourth of eight children to Mary Zajac Roman and Peter Roman. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Parish on the northwest side of Flint, which served the Polish community. On occasion, Joan would share sweet stories of when she was a little girl and the pride of her mother when she was chosen to carry baby Jesus during the Easter processional and for her lead role in a class play held at Dom Polski. Later she was given the name “Tuffy” by her first husband, John “Jack” Vernon, who preceded her in death in 1961. Tender, tough, vibrant, energetic, funny, and strong-minded are qualities that would define her life.

Married to John Roberts from 1962-1979, she became the mother of four girls. Born in an era where her dreams were not easily manifested, she raised her girls to believe they could do anything. She encouraged her girls to achieve their dreams, and stood up for their rights, at times fiercely. She was a swim mom for many years, as well as supporting her children in track, cross-country, tennis, and dance. Joan led an active life, playing ball with her kids and the neighbor kids, snowmobiling, and boating, to name a few.

Her career included being a kitchen designer, which she excelled at. She also owned two businesses– a children’s clothing store and a flower shop. She had a talent for making a beautiful home and was known for her beauty and style. Joan made holidays memorable, preparing wonderful meals and making her Polish nut rolls each Christmas for more than 50 years, carrying on a family tradition that dates back more than 100 years.

In her mid-50s, Joan moved from Michigan to South Carolina, sharing many happy times with family and friends in the Myrtle Beach area. She developed a passion for golf, traveling with the Golf Channel and her partner, Ralph Garrison, who preceded her in death in 2012. She moved with Ralph to Florida and lived between Ocala and St. Augustine for the last 20 years of her life. During this time, Joan surprised everyone by becoming an avid dog and cat lover. The feelings were mutual, and pets lined up for their treats, following her wherever she went.

Joan is survived by her children, Melinda Murtaugh, Kellie Buettell (Brian), Joni Roberts, and Mary Roberts, as well as her grandchildren, Eric Roberts (Brittany), Meghan Hill, Zachary Murtaugh, Nicholas Hausman, McKay Murtaugh, and Breyden Buettell. She is a great-grandmother to Daphne Vidal-Roberts. She is also survived by the father of her children, John Roberts, who was present at the end of her life.

Joan is survived by her siblings, Patricia Gere (Wayne), Ronald Roman (Cindy), John Roman (Linda), Mary Kasem (Mouner), and Theresa Parker.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Antoinette Schack, Elizabeth Briskey, and brothers in law, Kenneth Schack, Thomas Briskey and Dale Parker.

During the transition from her home to hospice, Joan was surrounded by the love of her immediate family, siblings, and extended family and friends who sent love and prayers. A Celebration of Life is expected to take place this summer in Michigan, where Joan and her beloved dog, Annie, will be placed with her first husband, Jack Vernon.