Obituary of Joan M. Box

Joan W. Box passed away peacefully on June 2, 2013 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Facility surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born on July 21, 1930 in Watertown, New York the daughter of Col. John F. and Ferne Lawrence Ward. Joan was also proud to be the granddaughter of the Major General Franklin W. Ward, Adjutant General of the State of New York. Joan moved to Rome with her family and attended the Academy of the Holy Names. On September 18, 1948 Joan was joined in marriage to the love of her life James G. Box at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rome, NY. They shared a blessed union of 61 years and together raised five sons. Jim passed away on January 2, 2011. In the early years in addition to caring for her family Joan worked as a Nurses Aide at the former Rose Hospital. Later Joan returned to school and in 1965 graduated from the Rome School of Practical Nursing and worked at Rome Memorial Hospital. The family relocated to Beaver Falls, Pa. in 1974 where Joan continued to work as an LPN. She was a compassionate and dedicated caregiver. Upon retirement in 1995, Joan and Jim returned to the Rome area. Joan was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. She was also a former member of the Catholic Nurses Association, Home Bureau, Bittersweet Twigs and Delta Omega Sorority. Joan was a loving wife, mother and friend. She will be especially remembered as a wonderful grandmother! Of all her accomplishments Joan was most proud of her family. She is survived by her sons and daughters in law, James D. and Ellen Box of Albany, Timothy F. and Colleen Box of Rome, Thomas W. and Debra Box of Rome, Kirk G. and Lynn Box of Oriskany Falls and Theodore S. and Monica Box of Wampum, Pa.; 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She also leaves a sister in law Sara J. Box of Rome and a special friend Peggy Hudock of Beaver Falls, Pa.; and her beloved cat, Annie. A sister, Susan McClure and two brothers, John and Anthony Ward predeceased her. As we mourn her death we celebrate her life and give thanks for the blessing of Joan. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday June 7th at St. Peter's Church, Rome. Burial will be at Rome Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the Barry Funeral Home 807 Chestnut Street Rome on Thursday June 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Rome Humane Society or St. Peter's Memorial Fund. Please offer online tributes or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com