Obituary of Joan Marie Wortman

Joan Marie Wortman passed peacefully in her sleep, at her home on November 6th, 2024.  She was 94.

The daughter of the late Ferdinand and Marie Schaedel, she was born on July 24, 1930 in the Bronx, NY.

In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased in life by her husband Fred Wortman and her brother George Schaedel.  
 
As a youngster, Joan loved watching movies with her Mom, singing and dancing.  Her aspirations of a professional performing career changed course when she met her future husband, Fred.  Both worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company but met on a #6 subway car commuting to the Bronx.  Many have said Fred stalked Joan and the meeting on the train was not entirely coincidental. On their very first date, Fred stated that Joan was the woman he would marry.  They married shortly after and shared 63 years of happiness, faith, family and lots of laughter.  Joan lived a full and blessed life.
 
As a devoted mother of Susan Colavito (Michael) of Jeffersonton, VA, Frederick Wortman (Kimberly) of Vestal, NY, and Kristine Wortman of NY, NY - family always came first for Joan.  Cherished grandmother of Michael Colavito (Melissa), Kristi Lee Kohut (Nicholas), Lauren Everist (Caleb), Ashley Wortman and Erick Wortman.  Great grandmother of Maya and Emma Colavito, Oaklee, Brixley and Stashko Kohut,  Theodore Wortman and Ava Everist - she was known lovingly to all as "Nana".  Joan was also adored by her nieces and nephews.  She will be dearly missed by all.

Joan loved traveling - Summers in Long Beach Island were a family tradition, a European tour at 89 years old let Joan explore her adventurous side, and a cruise at 92 saw her celebrate her 93rd birthday in the Caribbean.

In retirement, Joan and Fred loved golfing, entertaining and watching their family grow. Though Joan never mastered the game of Golf, she always looked the part of a professional. Joan loved singing with friends in community and church choirs, playing cards and Mah Jongg, coloring, puzzling, crafting, and knitting treasured gifts for family and friends.  

Joans friends were an extension of her family.  Affectionately known as the Golden Girls, Joan was the  "Rose" among some of her dearest friends and "Sweet Joanie" to many others.   Their laughter was contagious and will be treasured.

The family wishes to thank Joan’s faithful caregivers who nurtured her in healing and ultimately allowed Joan to pass peacefully at home.  Their care and dedication brought Joan great joy and comfort.

Please join the family in remembering and respecting Joan's life on Monday, November 11th, 2024  from 2:00 to 5:00PM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home 154 East Main Street Port Jervis, NY 12771.   A Funeral Service will take place at 5:00PM at the Funeral Home.  Following services, a private cremation will be held at MacLennan Hall Crematorium, Milford PA.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Sock Out Cancer LLC, care of Security Mutual Life, 80 Exchange Street, Binghamton, NY 13901.

Please make use of the Tribute Wall by leaving a memory or condolence for the family, visit Knight - Auchmoody.com to do so.