Joan Hanno Franz, 83, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at the Masonic Care Community surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born in West Carthage, NY on January 5, 1932, a daughter of John and Phyllis (Hunziker) Hanno. She was a graduate and former cheerleader at St. Francis de Sales High School. Joan received her R.N. from Memorial Hospital in 1952 and her BSN from SUNYIT in 1980. On November 8, 1952, in St. Francis de Sales Church, Utica, Joan was united in marriage to Jerome (Jerry) Franz. Joan began her nursing career at a knitting mill in Utica. For 30 years she worked at St. Luke's Memorial Hospital, first in maternity, then later as a supervisor and Assistant Director of Nursing. She then worked for 10 years at the Masonic Home as an Inservice Instructor retiring in 1994. Joan enjoyed fishing, music, cooking, bowling, swimming, knitting, crafts and traveling. She loved to sew in her spare time, making her grandchildren blankets and clothes. Joan derived much joy in spending time with her family and her summers at the cottage on Guffins Bay. She was a fun loving person who loved to jitter bug. Joan was a devoted Catholic with a deep religious faith. She was a member of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Jerry, two sons, Kevin Franz and wife, Debbie, of Sauquoit, Brian Franz and wife, JoEllen, of Utica, a daughter Mary Franz Unangst and husband, Joe, of Oswego, five grandchildren, Ryan Franz, of Denver, CO, Kristen Withrow, of Liverpool, Joshua Withrow, of Baldwinsville and Jason Franz and Tara Franz, both of Utica, a sister, Karen Falatico and husband, Dan, of Utica, and in-laws, Joan Scoones, of Clinton, John Lanz, of Kirkland, and Freda Franz, of Winterhaven, FL . She was predeceased by her parents, John and Phyllis Hanno and two infant sons, John and William Franz. Mrs. Franz's funeral will be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 10:45 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 11:30 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday from 4-7. In lieu of flowers, those so wishing may make donations to the American Heart and Stroke Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Fatema Islam and the staff on the Troy Unit at the Masonic Home, especially Shirley and Linda, who took great care of Joan.