Betty Joan Buzzanca

Mrs. Betty Joan Buzzanca, age 73, of Shreveport, LA, sadly for her, has left this life. She was born August 10, 1937 and passed away March 23, 2011 peacefully at Grace Home after fighting an 8 year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM, Friday, March 25, 2011 at Centuries Memorial. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, March 26, 2011 in the sanctuary of St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her father and his wife, William and Loraine Nix, and her mother, Rose Robertson and husband, Walter. She married Ross J. Buzzanca of Birmingham, AL in 1958 and was widowed when he died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 54. Ross and Joan were parents of 4 wonderful and precious children: Lisa (Robby) Johnson, Sharon Buzzanca, Joseph (Dawn) Buzzanca, and Rosemary (Jason) Kohrig. She has 14 wonderful grandchildren that she loved dearly: Kelly (Ryan) Melancon, Brandon and Kyle Buzzanca, Josh Blewitt, Paige (Andrew) Van Der Wall, Julianna and Kirby Kohrig, Cody and Samantha Johnson, Tori, Allie and Landon Martin, and one great-granddaughter that she loved dearly, Joslyn Claire Buzzanca. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Maria Steele, special aunt Louise Driver, special cousins Elizabeth Phillips and Shirley Thompson, cousins, nephew, and her sweet sorority sisters.

Joan loved life and laughter. Her best times were making other people laugh and be happy. She had such a great time while she was here, wonderful family and friends.

Joan was the secretary of IBEW Local 2188 for 25 years. She was treasurer of the Caddo-Bossier Federation of Democratic Women & Men, and a member of Beta Sigma Phi, XIGMA Chapter, St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church and Son’s of Italy Heritage Club.

In 2003, Joan was diagnosed with myeloma (a form of blood cancer) and was in and out of treatment for 8 years. This was a very difficult and trying time for Joan, but because of her wonderful family, friends, Dr. Scott Boniol, and the wonderful care of the Christus Schumpert Hospital Cancer Treatment Center, she managed to get through the bad days.

The family would like to thank all of our precious family members and special friends that have sat with Mama at Grace Home these last few weeks. Mama said it was so nice to be able to say goodbye to everyone. And to Grace Home nurses, aides, volunteers, thank you for all of your compassion and kindness. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s, Grace Home or donor’s choice in honor of Joan Buzzanca.

So, from Joan, to you all, if you were a part of my life, thanks for the memories and I will see you again someday. Remember to love and be kind to one another.