Joan Kathleen Macholl

It is with a profound sense of loss that we report the passing of Joan Macholl (89). Joan was born to Arnold and Winnifred Homan and grew up in Rochester, New York with her younger brother, Richard.

Joan graduated from the State University of New York in Albany with a degree in Business Education, earned an MA in Business Education from Pace University.

 Joan met the love of her life, John Macholl, at SUNY Albany at the bridge table.  They married in November of 1958 and had their only child, Eileen, one year later. 

Both John and Joan had three-decade long careers teaching Business Education subjects to high school students. Their careers began in upstate NY and they moved to northern Westchester County, NY, in the mid-1960s. 

As teachers, they had summers free and spent those at a lakefront cottage in Nova Scotia, Canada, for 50 glorious summers. 

After retirement, John and Joan moved to Sun City Center, Florida. They travelled the world teaching bridge together on world-class cruise ships for 4-6 weeks per year over 15 years. Joan was smart, extroverted, generous, and she always had a story to tell. She was an advocate for education and could often be found quizzing  people about their plans for further education – She was an advocate and encourager!  She was an active member of the A.A.U.W. where she helped set up a scholarship for the most improved fifth-grade girls in public schools.  She lived an exceptionally good life filled with John’s beautiful piano music, bridge, teaching, golf, and, most importantly, love.

Joan’s passing leaves many people grieving and remembering her profound impact on their lives. She is survived by her daughter Eileen Macholl (Barbara Anderson-Greenfield), brother (Richard Homan), niece (Ruth Homan), granddaughter Elizabeth Greenfield (Ann Petricca), and great grandson Michael Petricca Greenfield. Joan also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Joan, Eileen, and Barbara share family members by choice that they call “family of love:” Gail and Al Moore, their children Allison Moore (Christopher Culligan) and Melissa Moore (Skylar Du Mesnil), and their grandchildren Aiden, Ben, and Sam Culligan and Isabella and Emmitt Du Mesnil.

Joan’s physical remains will be cremated by Sun City Center Funeral Home.  An hors d’oeuvres and cocktails party (with John’s piano music playing in the background) will be held in the Atrium at Freedom Plaza (1010 American Eagle Boulevard, Sun City Center, FL) on Friday, August 16th from 3:00-4:30pm – this is what Joan requested to be her Celebration of Life - please come if you can (and spread the word).  Her ashes will be scattered – along with John’s – on Molega Lake  in Nova Scotia where they spent so many wonderful summers. 

Her spirit will live on in the memories of those who loved her and those many others whose lives she touched.

Cherish every moment.