Joan C. Lutz

Visitation will be held for 98 year old Joan C. Lutz of Ridge, NY on Friday, January 10, 2019 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Alexander-Rothwell Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist RC Church in Wading River, NY.

Joan Cecile Downing was born on June 11, 1921 to William and Ella Downing.  She was younger sister to Tom and older sister to Carol.  She attended St. Christopher's in Baldwin, Academy of Mount St. Vincent ('39), Rosemont College for two years, and then Catherine Gibbs Secretarial School.  She went to work in New York City upon graduation, commuting by train from Manhasset.  She met Henry Charles Lutz on a blind date at the Stork Club.  They loved to dance. They were married on August 19, 1943.  Henry was sent oversees in January, 1944.  With great joy they started their family when Henry was discharged from the Army in August, 1945.  Their first child, Bob, arrived in May, 1946.  He was followed by another son, Steve, and two daughters, Virginia and Carol.  They raised their family in Huntington. In 1962 her mother Ella died.  In 1967 Steve married Cathy, in 1969 Bob married Ginny, Thomas and Virginia were married in 1982, and in 2006 Carol married Ray.  The first grandchild, Steve, was born in 1969.  He was followed by Dan, Christie, Elizabeth, Kyle, Valerie, TR, and Teddi.  She survived the death of her husband in 1979.  In 1985 her father William died, having also lived to 98 years of age.  Joan moved to Vero Beach and enjoyed her life there  for 25 years.  She called it Paradise!  In 1998, her first great grandchild, David, was born.  He was followed by Willy, Nicky, Kyle, Madeline, Marni, Josiah, Natalia, Percy, Titus, Henry, Jubilee, Jace, Rory, and John.  Another great grandchild is scheduled to arrive in April, 2020.  Joan returned to New York in 2016.  She is survived by her four children and three of their spouses, her eight grandchildren and seven of their spouses, fifteen great grandchildren, her sister, Sr. Carol Downing, and her best friend of 92 years, Virginia Pierce.  Joan lived a full life that was rooted in faith.  She radiated great strength, beauty, and goodness that will remain in the hearts of all who loved her. Private cremation will follow.

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