Joanne M Stratton

The last remaining member of her immediate family: parents James and Lambrene (Georgulis) Maroules and sisters Grace (Tom) Armenakis and Bessie (Chris) Andrianos.

Loving mother of Sophia Stratton (Rick Novak), Rene Stratton (Steven Weltyk), and April (Dean) Huspen

Cherished Yiayia of Nicholas Weltyk, Greyson (fiancée Taylen Sewell) Weltyk, Richard S. Novak, Xanthe Huspen, and Zoe Huspen. Fond Aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Leaves behind her beloved dog, Ginger.

Born in Chicago to Greek immigrants, Joanne was very proud of her heritage. She grew up in the Austin area and graduated from Austin High School. Through Goya at Assumption Panagia Church, she met her future husband, Bill.

Divorced after 13 years and with three small daughters, Joanne joined the workforce at a time when women were only known by their husbands’ names and had no credit of their own. Joanne began working at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and quickly moved up to run the public relations department, booking talent for the Blue Max nightclub. There she met many celebrities and enjoyed the 70’s as a swinging divorcee. Dating while raising her girls was no picnic - little pitchers have big ears.

The next stop on Joanne’s adventure was with Gould, Inc. where she ran their Indy 500 racing program and other corporate events. Highlights during her tenure at Gould were Rick Mears winning the Indy 500 multiple times, Formula One racing with Mario Andretti, and working with Henry Moore’s studio on a sculpture for Gould headquarters. Gould also sponsored polo and the RFK tennis tournaments with players like Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl.

Later, as the events planner for Arthur Andersen, Andersen Consulting and then Accenture, Joanne travelled the world. This ignited a passion that she enjoyed throughout the rest of her life.

Sophia, Rene and April fondly recall many fun and terrifying escapades while travelling with their mom. The van ride up Pikes Peak, the Long Island beach house in 1975 (think Jaws), flying on a private jet to Cabo, and discovering Mom had lost most of her Greek language while getting directions in Greece.

Once retired, Joanne became a Master Gardener and moved to Miller Beach, Indiana where she became an active member of the community including the Miller Garden Club. She also enjoyed many trips with her travel buddies, Evelyn and Susann. As a proud Yiayia, Joanne enjoyed looking under logs for bugs and attending the Nutcracker with her grandchildren. Harrowing cross-country trips with her long-time partner Bobby Walker behind the wheel while towing their vintage Airstream to Mexico added spice to life. In 2012, Joanne realized a life-long dream to take her family to Greece.

More recently, Mom fell and broke her hip. As the EMTs were wheeling her out of the house, she asked, “How’s my hair?” Classic Joanne – perfectly timed. A dynamic, vibrant, and strong woman, Joanne lived a long and satisfying life filled with chicken and potatoes and lots of adventure and love.