Obituary of Joan Marie Calhoun

     Joan Marie Calhoun, 87, of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Utica, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, FL, with her loving family by her side.

     Joan was born in Utica, on August 4, 1936, the daughter of Anthony and Genevieve (Stachelski) Rodzinka. She was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy. At one time, Joan was employed with Utica Oil as a bookkeeper and for over 20 years, until her retirement, as an Administrative Secretary in the nursing office of St. Luke’s Hospital in New Hartford. 

     Joan loved spending time putting together jigsaw puzzles and completing crossword puzzles. She and her childhood friend Gerri enjoyed spending time at the Turning Stone Casino. Mom was an avid reader and enjoyed Danielle Steele Novels. She was very passionate about supporting St Jude Children’s Hospital. Her strong faith and her family were the priorities in her life. Mom leaves us with many special memories and Polish traditions.  Mom looked forward to making pierogis and cookies with her daughter at Christmas and preparing the Easter baskets for the blessing of the food at Easter. She also looked forward to visiting her sons and their families in Vermont and watching her grandchildren grow up. Mom loved her time in Florida with her daughter and the adventures they would go on. 

     Mom was Predeceased by her parents Tony and Jenni Rodzinka, her special Aunts, Mary and Alice, and Uncles John, Bob, Tony, Joe, Stanley and Ed, her special friend, Gerri Sitts and her former husband and dear friend James Calhoun. 

     She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Calhoun of Fort Myers Florida, her Son James Calhoun and daughter in law Mary, son Jason Calhoun and daughter in law Amanda and her three grandchildren Muirin, Genevieve and Eli all of Vermont. She leaves many special cousins, nieces and nephews. Her special nieces Michelle, Stephanie and Terri Pianka and her very special great nieces Alexandra and Brielle Underwood. 

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Joan’s funeral Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 1206 Lincoln Ave., Utica. She will be laid to rest in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Yorkville. Visitation for family and friends is Friday, November 24^th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

     The family would like to thank the staff of Elite Assisted Living of Cape Coral for the loving care they extended during Mom’s illness and the friends from SWFL that provided love and support.