Joan Marie Retcho

Joan Marie Retcho passed away on March 6, 2022. Joan was born on January 22, 1932, in the Bronx, NY to Otto and Elizabeth Marquart. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 60 years, Robert, and her loving children, Suzann Froelich (Edward) and Chris (Stephanie). She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Matthew Froelich (Danielle), Daniel Froelich (Martha), Tyler and Kaitlyn Froelich, Cameron and Layla Retcho.

She grew up in the Castle Hill area of the Bronx during the Depression where she started her humble beginnings sleeping in a drawer. Things went up from there when she graduated from James Monroe High School. She became a secretary in NYC working in the advertising industry and later for General Motors. She met Bob in 1959 and married in 1962. She remained a devoted wife, mother, aunt, and friend.

Those who knew Joan always remember the laughs and fun times, there were many. She was a bold and strong woman who didn’t take any guff but was always quick to lend a hand, a kind word or say a prayer for you.

Joan loved to laugh and her kids often were glad to provide the entertainment to a fever pitch (and at the detriment of a weak bladder…). She loved dancing with her husband for many years, always the center of attention, and was always dedicated to her Catholic faith. You could usually find Joan and Bob at the diner after Church for breakfast where they held court and loved talking with the owners, hostesses, waitresses and busboys (she regularly hugged and kissed everyone).

During healthier times, Joan loved to travel to South Carolina where her daughter’s family lived, and depending on where her son was would be anxious to hit the road to visit (NYC, NJ, Switzerland, CT).

Nothing could replace her love of spending time with family and friends. Joan leaves a large hole in the lives of those who knew and loved her, especially her family. She will be missed beyond words.

Our hearts are broken by this loss. Mom was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.