Joanne Brock

Joanne Brock (Williams) of Brandon, FL passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the age of 88. Born in Batavia, New York to Earl and Irene Williams, she lived most of her life in Rochester, New York before retiring to the Tampa, Florida area. Joanne is survived by her daughters Linda May (Brian) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Nancy “Dj” Thornton (Jon) of Brandon, Florida and grandchildren Melissa and Kevin May and Matthew and Katie Thornton as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 61 years, Blanchard “Brock”; her son, David; brother, Dr. Myron “Myke” Williams, and her sister Jean Leach. Joanne was a loving wife and a devoted mother who cherished her family and friends.

Joanne was a proud graduate of Syracuse University in 1952 with a degree in Radio Broadcasting. She avidly followed Syracuse sports teams, a passion that continued throughout her entire life. While at Syracuse she joined the sorority Zeta Tau Alpha, and was active for many years in their alumni association, serving a term as president of her local Zeta chapter.

Joanne worked in radio for several years, both on air and in production. Radio brought her to Rochester, New York where she met Brock and they married on January 1, 1955. After her children were born, she became a full time mother but maintained her interest in the theatre, with various parts in community productions. She volunteered as a Brownie Girl Scout leader and PTA President. When the kids were older, she also worked part time in Market research.

After Brock’s retirement, they became “snow birds” and wintered in Valrico, Florida at Featherock Mobile Home Park. They maintained their interest in the PT Cruiser Club, both in Rochester and Florida. They were socially active at Featherock where Joanne got involved in the “Red Hat Society”, playing Bridge and planning monthly Pot Luck dinners. She remained in touch over the years with many of the Batavia High School Graduates, attending reunions in Florida. She and Brock enjoyed traveling, especially cruises.

The family appreciates the care she received for the past three years at Rosecastle at Delaney Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility and would also like to thank LifePath Hospice for their compassionate care. Joanne will be deeply missed, but she was blessed with a long and fulfilling life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to LifePath Hospice, 3725 Upper Creek Drive, Sun City, FL 33573.