JoAn Hoover Dorzuk, 89, passed away peacefully at Bon Secours-Maria Manor in St. Petersburg on Monday March 20, 2023.
Born January 19, 1934 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, JoAn graduated from Bellefonte High School in 1951 and moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey. There, she attended the June McAdams Modeling and Finishing School and worked at the Shelbourne Hotel at the front Desk. A highlight of her young life was being chosen as a semi-finalist for Miss Atlantic City in 1952. She had met her future husband, Peter, at the age of 16 during high school, and became reacquainted again at the age of 18. They were married at Holy Cross Catholic Church in 1954. They moved to St. Petersburg the following year with Peter’s parents. JoAn and Peter were blessed with 60 years of marriage, eight children, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. JoAn and her family are long-time parishioners of St. Paul’s and her children all attended St. Paul’s Catholic School.
JoAn had a deep and abiding faith which was her guide in all she did. She was a member of the St. Paul’s Women’s Guild. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and served as President and Secretary of the Legion of Mary since the 1960’s. She was dedicated to visiting the elderly who resided in local nursing homes twice a week to say the Rosary and brought comfort and companionship to those she served. Anyone who knew her said she was the kindest person they ever met. She had a peaceful, gentle spirit that made people happy to be in her presence and she believed only kind words should ever be spoken.
JoAn was an expert Scrabble and Canasta player, although she always apologized when she beat you! She made the best sugar cookies and loved to get dressed up to go out to dinner. Prime rib was her favorite. How we would love to take her out to dinner one more time! Most of all, she showed love, generosity, and goodwill to everyone she met.
Survivors include her children – Mary, Paula, Guy, Scott, Annie and Tony; grandchildren – Rose, Lindsay, Aimee, Andrew, Cody, Chad, Chase and Mikey; great-grandchildren – Troy, Grant, Lennon, Adler, Sebastian, Milani, Goldy and Stormy; brother-in-law, Ted; nieces – Patti, Theresa, Maureen, Kacey, Maria and Mary Jo; nephews – Dennis and T.G.; son-in-law, Dan and extended family and friends who loved her dearly.
Special thanks to those who visited and sent cards and flowers, and especially to her wonderful caregivers at Bon Secours for these past 5 years.
Leave a Condolence