HAMPSTEAD — Joanne F. Crapanzano, 82, of Hampstead, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Joanne was born February 8, 1942 in Bronx, NY, a daughter of the late Joseph White and Mafalda Violetti White. Her sister Alice White preceded her in death.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles Walter Crapanzano; three children, Christine Conmy and her husband Tom, Carol Demetrious and her husband Greg, Cathleen Bakke and her husband Keith; ten grandchildren Thomas Conmy, Tim Conmy, Tessa Conmy, Oliver Conmy, Alexis Demetrious, Caitlyn Hanson, Noelle Demetrious, Steven Demetrious, Emily Salazar and Eric Bakke; and recently blessed with a great grandson Micah Hanson. She is also survived by two sisters Lorraine and Mary and many beloved family members.
Joanne and Charlie made the adventurous choice to move out of NYC after their first child was born. In 1968, they became first-time homeowners in the little town of Chester, NY. They had many challenges transitioning from city-living to suburbia. Joanne’s first major hurdle was learning to drive. In Chester, there was no such thing as public transportation. Once licensed, Joanne became involved in all aspects of her children’s school years. She was the homework guru. She may not have understood all of the schoolwork but being a sounding board allowed her children to find the answers. Her seamstress hobby became a welcomed resource for her family, her children’s school and her friends. This included several years of creating/maintaining cheerleading uniforms. Additionally, Joanne never missed donating baked goods for fundraisers or putting in numerous hours as a volunteer lunch lady.
When Joanne’s youngest child entered high school, she was ready to spread her wings. Despite not having worked outside of the home in over 20 years, she accepted a receptionist position for a local chiropractor. It was learn on the job time and she persevered until she mastered it. Patients were put at ease when Joanne was there to greet them. She was never too busy to listen or to offer words of comfort.
In 2006, Joanne and Charlie made another adventurous change. They decided to make a favored vacation destination their new permanent home. Thus began the Hampstead, NC years. Joanne created a new circle of friends and was involved with the school years of her grandchildren. She always felt that family was the most important part of her life.
Her faith in God was never in doubt. Everyone knew that if a loved one needed an intercession, Joanne was the person to ask. The Novena to St. Theresa was her go-to prayer. Her list of people to pray for was long – she used to laugh and say she needed to go to bed an hour earlier just to get through all of the names!
Joanne’s kitchen was the gathering place for all of the family (and friends) celebrations. Once the meal was done, the games began. Multiplayer card games (Michigan Rummy, Nine, Steal the Old Man’s Bundle, Go Fish) were the favorites. Quiet times found Joanne working on yet another puzzle. In fact, her current puzzle-in-progress was left in an out-of-the-way area so any family member could walk over and assist.
Joanne was the epitome of a kind and generous person. She was not afraid to show love and care to any person in her sphere. She was the best person she could be in any of her roles: sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend. She encouraged all to strive to be the best they could be and to use their talents to better their world. Joanne’s family is her legacy and that is the best memorial anyone could ask for.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joanne’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.
