JoAnn Happel Ratte

Born February 7, 1943 to Armand H. and Anna K Happel in Poughkeepsie, NY. JoAnn was the oldest of two siblings with deep family roots in Iowa. Growing up, JoAnn was known as a tomboy and used her height and long arms to excel in volleyball, bowling, and field hockey. But it was the deep roots in Iowa that led JoAnn out of Poughkeepsie to pursue a degree with Drake University. While home from college during the summer of 1963, JoAnn met the eventual love of her life while waitressing tables at the Howard Johnsons. A handsome young man stopped in for a sandwich after a round of golf at nearby Dutchess Country Club and after two rejections, the two had their first date.

JoAnn and Louis married on April 4, 1964 and had two sons while in Poughkeepsie (Chris & Tim). In 1970 IBM moved the family to Raleigh where they would reside for 25 years. The final of three boys (Dan) was born in 1971. JoAnn enjoyed all her IBM friends, Viteks, Sorrentino’s, Doolittles, and Wesche’s along with all her neighbors on Ivy Lane in Fairfax Hills. Mrs. Ratte relished in all the fond memories of entertaining friends and neighbors up by the pool, as well as raising nine poodles during her lifetime.

After losing her husband in 1997, JoAnn stayed busy following her culinary degree with positions at Angus Barn, Lowes Foods and Fresh Market. However, her best memories came from working the snack bar at Wildwood Green where she would encounter all her husband’s old ranger friends and golf buddies.

JoAnn Ratté leaves behind her three sons (Chris, Tim & Wife Sandy, and Dan) all of Raleigh as well as three grandchildren, Brianna Ratté, Devin Ratté, and Sean Ratté. JoAnn never spared a moment to express how proud she was of all her boys and grandchildren. Mrs. Ratté is also survived by her sister-in-law Margaret Happel Buccelato of Poughkeepsie as well as many nieces and nephews. JoAnn would like all her friends and family reading this to know, “I had a great life! I had a good good life!”

Finally, Mrs. Ratté was very grateful for the attention and dedication of all the fine Dr.’s and professionals at Duke Raleigh Oncology and Radiology as well as the excellent fifth floor staff at Duke Raleigh Hospital. The family sincerely appreciates all your service in supporting us during mom’s stays in the hospital.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all memorial contributions be made to Wake County SPCA or the William Dunlap Hospice Center.