Joan Tarzian

Joan L. Tarzian, loving mother and grandmother died on March 19, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Born to Florence L. (Wilde) and Chester H. Heidmann on December 15, 1929, Joan was a native of Brooklyn, NY, attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary and High School, Pace University and married her former and late husband, Harry S. Tarzian in May 1956. She was the proud mother of and is survived by her children, Charlie (Brenda Zagarinsky), Joanne, William, Edith Heurberg (Arne- Per) and Marybeth (Rob Gearhart). She was a loving grandmother to Wilson, Dylan, and Grady. She dedicated herself to raising her family and instilling in her children the joy of life, kindness, compassion, faith, hope and of course humor and laughter. She always enthusiastically supported her children's scholastic and extra curricular activities while giving her time to volunteer for various organizations including the Girl Scouts of America, her local parish, schools and the Christian Family Movement, where she actively connected with refugee families, foster parents and others in need of encouragement and community. When her marriage to Harry ended in 1976, Joan returned to the workforce, earning her real estate license in Staten Island, NY. She then moved to Miami, Florida in 1979, entering the field of banking where she was a much loved and popular client services representative for the 1st National Bank of South Miami. In 1994, Joan moved back north to care for her mother and to be closer to her family attending weddings, births, birthdays and other celebrations. In 2002, she moved into the Waveny Care Center in New Canaan, CT, where she accepted care with great dignity and grace. She loved music, singing, dancing, everything Irish and lit up any room she entered. She made everyone feel special and would never hesitate to give the shirt off of her back. She was known to all as a bright light and will be missed by all of those she touched. Joan's family greatly appreciates the loving care and attention provided by her friends at the Waveny - their excellent work has been a blessing for us all. Donations may be made in Joan's memory to the Waveny Lifecare Network, 3 Farm Road, New Canaan, CT 06840. A celebration Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at St. Francis Xavier Church, 225 6th Avenue, Park Slope Brooklyn. Reception immediately following at Stone Park Cafe, 324 5th Avenue, Park Slope Brooklyn followed by a burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY.