Joan Omaña

Joan is survived by her four loving children Patricia Omaña, Elena McLean, Julio Omaña and Rafael Omaña, and their spouses Luis Tapia (Elena), Amy Omaña (Julio) and Christine Omaña (Rafael), along with her eight loving grandchildren Melissa, Kaylen, Erynn and Cristina McLean, Brendan and Abby Omaña, and Emma and Ryan Omaña. Joan is also survived by her siblings Marijke van der Plas, Bettina Faulkner, and Marnix van der Plas and his wife Maria Cristina, among many other nieces, nephews and friends.

Joan was born in Caracas, Venezuela on April 17, 1941, to her parents Martinus Johannes van der Plas and Guillermina van der Plas (nee Beier). In Caracas, Joan attended the Campo Alegre Elementary school and graduated from Colegio Americano high school, before marrying Julio Omaña on June 14, 1962.

In 1980, the family moved to Bedford, New York, near her sister and brother-in-law Bettina and Jim Faulkner. Joan, a homemaker, raised her four children and loved spending time supporting each of their extracurricular activities. She loved sports and tennis was her game. In 2000, Joan and Julio moved to Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL where she spent the rest of her days. In LBTS Joan continued to befriend all who crossed her path. Whether one encountered her while running errands, helping neighbors, or walking Ella around LBTS, Joan proudly would speak of her four children’s accomplishments, showing her pride and satisfaction. Walking Ella around LBTS was probably one of Joan’s favorite activities. Joan and Ella became known by many neighbors as they visited and talked with others while on their walks. Joan’s next favorite thing to do was sitting on her balcony, solving crossword puzzles, or reading while enjoying the view of the sea and breathing in the salty air. Joan will be remembered for her smile, kindness, grateful demeanor, always helping others and looking out for others.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022 from 3:00 - 6:00 at the Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Joan's funeral service will commence on Monday, October 3, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Assumption Catholic Church (2001 S. Ocean Blvd, LBTS, FL, 33062), where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Central (499 Northwest 27th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311).

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in Joan’s memory to the following organizations: Women in Distress of Broward, Inc., and Lauderdale by the Sea Volunteer Fire Department, in memory of Joan Omaña, 4513 North Ocean Blvd., Suite 200, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308.

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Joan, be sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of her obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com