Joan Schustrich's Obituary
My mother was born on October 10, 1943 and died on June 25, 2022. She passed away free of pain knowing she was loved by those of us that remained by her side, through the good, the bad and her “I’ve given up” years. My father, the care taker and love of her life, gave up so many of his good years to keep her at home, pampered and loved.
My first memory is of her reading to me and my brother. Gosh, she looked so pretty in her night-time dress. Little did I know that all she wanted was for both of us to fall fast asleep quickly, have wonderful dreams and sleep in till Noon! Growing up in my house we always had great food, tv and fun things to play with and do. My first best friend was my brother. He and I played games, sports and some days we fought but most days we loved. We loved deeply. My brother was the first person to make me really mad, really sad and really happy. That’s what sibling do… we love what we have in common and hate what it is that makes us different. What makes us different connects us to our mother, our father… We don’t know that at the time… but we do later in life.
My mother was my best friend and my biggest fan. She was always amazed by athletic ability, yet I secretly always knew how much she wished I would stop being a tom boy and spend more time with her cooking, baking and talking. Those times never came so she wrapped her heart and soul around understanding my youth, work and love relationships. She loved living life through me. Me exploring more than she ever did… I lived life just shy of dangerous. I often scared my mother, but my bravery intrigued her nontheless and I shared every story with her. Those were always our “little secrets”.
My mother was the best cook and she loved to drink and have a good time. Growing up all my friends loved to come to my house and to get ready before we’d go out. Why not, we could smoke, drink, listen to loud music and talk to the most amazing woman who never judged. I mean never! I remember my mom looking at us before we would leave… wishing she could come. My mother lost her way when we got older and didn’t need her as much. She needed to be needed. She wanted life to stay motion-less and for her happiest moments and memories to never go away. My mother is in heaven now, surrounded by so many people I miss, people who love her unconditionally. She looks beautiful and is free of pain. She smiles now when she tells others about those of us that remained by her side all these years.
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?