Thank You mom for your infinite love, I am always grateful.  For all of the support, the friend & love you have given me & my family.   I thank you & love you.  
We miss you these past 5 yrs. but you are in our hearts everyday & we are so thankful God made you.  XO

Words of Thanks and Gratitude to my mother:

Thank you for being such a great role model for me aspire to.

Thank you for being a devoted wife to dad for 57 years.

Thank you for my siblings Jill and Russ; they are true blessings in my life.

Thank you for being an amazing grandmother to my son Michael. I am so happy that you were able to be at his wedding to share in the joy of his marriage to Daffnee.

Thank you for being a good listener and for your words of wisdom throughout my life.

Thank you for creating so many wonderful memories that I will cherish always.

Thank you for sharing your faith with me that has sustained me so many times.



While I know we are feeling a sense of loss and heartache, I ask that you remember how this "special" lady touched your life and my hope would be that it brings a smile to your face because I know that is what she would want for each of you. 

My dear sweet mother, I know you are at peace reunited with dad and other loved ones. Your family is a circle of strength and love because of your legacy and we will forever be thankful. and  Mom, don't worry about Mitzi. We are doing great.  
I will love you always.
 



By Michael Marcantonio

Thank you all for coming today to honor and celebrate the life of Joan Streeker. I know this is what she would want; family and friends together, under one roof, sharing stories and remembering the best of times we’ve each experienced with her. I am blessed to have had her as a grandmother and over the years, have incredibly fond memories… ones that will be shared with my children and grandchildren. From the unforgettable home cooked dishes of chipped beef, potato pancakes and goulash, to wild card games for a nickel and bragging rights on Whitman Circle, to the encouraging words of wisdom given during some of the most important times in my life, to witnessing firsthand how to be a compassionate partner in the most beautiful of relationships with her husband Russell. I will forever cherish these moments we’ve shared.

Back when I was in college, I adopted Joan with the nickname GMA. I’m not sure if anyone knew what it meant, most just thought it was short for grandma, but the name just stuck. I’m going to share with you what GMA means to me. 

Genuine; Joan was the most sincere, honest and authentic woman I knew. Some would say she was old fashioned. She was certainly a classy lady. Joan had her moments where she was not afraid to let loose or say what was on her mind. I learned this when she met my wife, Daffnee, and they would join forces to teach me a lesson. What are you doing? Chew with your mouth closed! What do you mean you’re not getting enough sleep? Stop that working out so much and go eat something. Oh my GMA.

continued...



Motherly; Joan exuded characteristics of everything a mother should be and more. She was a combination or warmth and kindness, laughter and love. She overlooked your faults, encouraged your dreams, and praised your every success. She had the wisdom of a teacher, the sincerity of a true friend and the tenderness of a mother.

Appreciative; Nothing brightened her day more than an unexpected phone call from one of her children or grandchildren. And if it had been a while since your last call, she would let you know. I told you she was genuine. Joan always loved a good conversation. She loved to entertain, to be entertained, and to learn something new every day. She was always thankful for her husband and family. She was grateful for simple pleasures such as baking and gardening. She showed support for her grandchildren at little league games, dance recitals, graduations and many other special moments in our lives. 

We can shed tears that she is gone, or we can smile because she has lived.
As we celebrate this beautiful soul today, let’s smile and cry tears of laughter as we share the best of memories we each have with Joan, Mom, Aunt, Grandma and Friend. More importantly, our stories about Joan should not end today; let’s share the life of Joan with our loved ones and families to be for years to come.


The way it smells when she cooks.
When you’re bad, the way she looks.
How she would do anything to help a friend.
The way she’ll stick by you until the end.
She’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Unless you get on her bad side, then you’re in for a treat.
The way she’ll cheer you up when you’re down.
And how she helps you to turn your frown.
The way she jokes and laughs with me.
Her soul so kind, so sweet, so free.
She inspires me in different ways every day.
My GMA is wonderful in every way.




By Jill Kandell

Joan Streeker
June 2nd, 2018

Joan Louise Toch Streeker
is who we are honoring today and celebrating a life well lived.  

She was born on May 22, 1931 and was raised with 2 siblings, Georgette (14mos. older)
and Ted (5 yrs. older).   Ted is now 92, lives in California and sends his love to all.  

When mom was 8yrs. old her dad passed away.  Her mom, grandma Mollie was left to raise
3 children on her own.  Remember this was the 1930’s.  Mom watched her mom go to work 
at night and build airplanes during the war so they could survive.   They grew up loving &
appreciative of everything life had to offer.   Mom would tell us this story ……her friends 
and their families would go to a park afterwards for ice cream.  Grandma Mollie would 
graciously decline but had a solution.  1/2 gal. ice cream, bottle of soda, ice cream sodas at        home.    They lived within their means and had each other.  

In 1951, Mom married the love of her life, Russell Streeker.    She worked as a head teller in a bank until 1957 when Kim was born , 3.5 yrs. later I came along and 3.5 yrs. after that our brother arrived.  Russell Hayes Streeker III.  

Mom was the perfect homemaker and loved it.  She was a stay at home mom, an amazing 
cook and baker. (always from scratch) Delicious Pies.   She & dad had lots of friends and entertained.  Dad was probably more outgoing  but everyone loved Joan.  How could you not?  She was kind, nice, gentle, thoughtful & a great listener & most of all organized!
Especially when our NJ family would show up in the middle of the night with a minimum of 10 people to surprise us.  I recall hearing dad say JOAN start cooking Jersey’s here!  Mom never complained, she embraced it all - great memories.

continued...


ALSO….
A weekday night when mom was preparing dinner and dad would say it’s beautiful out lets go cook at the beach.  Mom would pack it all up including us and the Hibachi and off we went to  Jamesport Bay in the Country Squire Station Wagon.  We swam, cooked and gazed at the stars.  What sand or mess…Mama Joan rarely said No.  

In 1967 we moved to Calverton, NY.   Dad moved his business as well.   Mom soon had another job.  She was the bookkeeper for Forge, Heating and A/C.  Back then there were no computers, faxes etc.  She typed on a manual typewriter with carbon paper, wrote proposals and handled the billing and banking.   

Mom always found the time to be the best daughter, mother, wife & friend.  She stayed active, created her own space & socialization.   Activities she enjoyed were exercising, walking, bowling, golfing, crossword puzzles and in recent years she looked forward to her “girls” card games with Joanne, Lydia, Ramona, Gloria & Roberta.  When they played in the evening I knew not to call too early the next day.  They played until 11-12 at night.  High stakes were at risk.  many nickels, dimes & quarters.  Competitive group, but really true friends.  She loved you all.

Staying social was important to mom after dad passed away 10 years ago.  She loved going out to dinner with Kim, Michael & Daffnee sending me pictures of toasting to happy days!   Mom also derived much satisfaction from watching sports on TV.  Golf & Football her favorites.  She knew all the players & Phil Mickelson was her man!    Mom knew how to separate worries from concerns & she had a forgiving attitude & believed most people are doing the best they can.  

continued...


If I had to describe to you how mom felt about her grandchildren, we would be here another hour.    A quick story, when Greg was born 26 yrs. ago,  I was in NY & called mom in Fla.  around 7:30 am.  Dad was on the golf course.  I told her we had a boy and when she hung up she ran outside, stopped a guy on his bike, hugged him and told him she just had her 3rd grandson!  That’s enthusiasm!  I’m sure the guy was stunned and I think he just said OK….   Even though 5 of her 6 grandchildren grew up in NY she found a way to always be connected & enjoyed when we all visited 10644 Whitman Circle & she never missed a summer visit to NY.  Mom was blessed with a very loving devoted family who cared for her admirably & of whom she was very proud.  Her advice was to Slow Down, Get Enough Rest, Eat Right & Take A Sweater with you in case it gets cold even in the middle of July!!  

Mom was a woman who was dedicated to her faith.  A member of this church for many years.   When she lived in NY she found time to be the president of the women’s guild at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and managed a project to produce a cookbook with the most amazing recipes that I still rely on today.

Mom was truly a JOY to be around.  She led a simple life but always reveled in peoples lives and celebrated their discoveries.  She had the ability to be flexible and adjust to any situation & even though she did not have a job outside the home, I believe she ran a mini corporation for 50 plus years & did it so well with energy & a positive attitude.  

continued...


As you know, mom had physical disabilities to overcome.  Within the past 10 years, 2 new hips, a knee and an auto immune disease.  She knew her limits & paced herself.   Last year we purchased a wheelchair.  She wasn’t vain.  As long as it allowed her to be part of the action & be with friends & family she would say, great let’s go!  Especially if it was to Home Depot with David to get a hot dog!

Mom loved to shop & browse.   Hair & nails were always done & her clothes were perfect.  A beautiful woman inside & out.   I think of what mom would want us to mimic……be strong, have hope, be kind, have compassion & love yourself and one another everyday and never forget that God does have a way of turning things around for us.  

Jesus said himself that he would go & prepare a place for us.  We may have questions about what goes on in heaven, but if we remember that God created this awesome planet that we live on now, and formed all the stars & planets the sky and placed them in their orbits, how much more glorious then, will be our home in Heaven , where there will be no pain, sorrow or sin.  Moms beautiful, majestic room was prepared by her Lord and is complete.  She now lives at the best Zip Code anyone could ask for.    We Love You Mom & Will Miss You……until we meet again. 


For Joan Streeker’s Memorial Service
My name is Glo Hutchings. I have been friends with Joan for more than 70 years. Joan, her sister Georgette and I always loved each other. When we all got married and had children we spent many happy times together. Joan was my daughter Doreen’s God-mother. They shared the same birthday. When I was in labor with Doreen I looked at the clock on the wall and said to myself, “Oh, its 11:59pm. My baby is going to be born on its God-mother’s birthday.” We have enjoyed many years of friendship. Losing Georgette, Russ and my husband Sherman was hard for both of us. I will miss Joan so much. I want her children to know how much I love them too. God bless all of you.

Thoughts from a God-daughter:
My Aunt Joan was a beautiful woman with charm and grace. She was always interested in my life and never missed “our” birthday on May 22nd. I always enjoyed summer visits from the Streekers with fun days spent in our pool. There were times when it felt like Kim, Jill and Russell were our cousins. I am so happy that we were able to visit Aunt Joan and Kim three years ago this summer. 
Aunt Joan will be missed but I know that she is in the loving arms of Jesus and reunited with Uncle Russ and my Dad. I will remember her on my birthday and each time that I use the yellow cookbook that she sent me assembled by the Women’s Guild of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Riverhead, NY. 
"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38
Wishing you peace that passes all understanding. Blessings, Doreen


A Celebration of Life- A tribute to my mother
Joan Louise Streeker
by Kim Marcantonio

As we gather here today to celebrate the life of my mother Joan Streeker, I would like to
share with you some of the words that have been expressed to me by many describing my mother:

A wonderful & special lady, sweet, loving, a dear friend, positive, a good listener, a blessing, thoughtful, kind and of course our family would say an amazing, devoted mother and grandmother!

While my mother was all of these and much more, the word "kind" kept coming up in conversations I had with people. The word kind is described as having or showing a gentle nature and a desire to help others. To bring happiness to others. Considerate, caring about other people. A loving person. I know many of us experienced her "kind"
nature.

I was blessed to have my mother share my home for the last 3 years. We made a pretty great team. When mom moved in with me many people would say to me what a wonderful thing I was doing, taking on the role of caregiver. The truth is our relationship was so much more then that. In fact, at times she was my caregiver because that was the kind of mother she was. I will remember cooking together, adding her special touch, looking through her recipes and creating a few of our own. If we didn't feel like cooking, I would say how about going out to dinner. She would say sure wherever you want to go babe. I will remember the laughs we shared, going out shopping, attending church together; Watching golf tournaments- she taught me a lot about the game and I taught her a lot about cheering on the FSU Seminoles! I will cherish our annual summer trips up to Long Island to visit family.    


When my sister and I were growing up, we always shared a kin-ship that kept us especially close.  Also, thanks to our Mom’s genes, we also seemed to enjoy good health and thus gave us many years of longevity - well beyond many of our friends.    

She always sent me such beautiful Birthday, Christmas and Easter cards on EACH occasion, WITHOUT fail, and ALWAYS on time ……. unlike her brother!   But even when I was late - she had a loving way of making me feel just fine anyway.

As we got older, our relationship seemed to get even closer.  We would call each other almost every month, and oh how I enjoyed her wonderful voice; always happy and uplifting.  I will surely miss these special moments most of all.

I will also be grateful to Joan and Russ for supporting and caring for Mom Gyson when she moved to Florida.  Just another example of her tender heartedness that she shared with everyone in the family.

I was told that we are only visitors during our lifetime here on this planet and that God has beautiful plans for us in heaven.  I know God will be greeting her with open arms.  

May God Bless you and keep you…...I love you Sis…..for ever and ever!

Your loving Brother, Ted


I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Joan. She was a very classy, joyful and loving lady. I miss her so much and am blessed knowing her and her wonderful family. I take comfort she is at peace.

So many times of your life I shared with you I will miss you very much. Rest in peace . 

OBITUARY

Joan Louise Streeker

22 May, 1931 – 8 May, 2018

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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