Joan Thom

On Monday, January 25th, 2021, Joan Maria (Ruscillo) Thom, loving mother, sister, and grandmother passed away at the age of 81 in Escondido, California. Joan was born on July 15th, 1939 in Flushing, New York to Olga Jenny Corrado and Joseph Ruscillo. After the early passing of her father Joseph, John Mastrangelo became like a father to her. She attended Queensborough Community College and was a dedicated Registered Nurse for 45 years, first working in pediatrics and then geriatrics. She moved to California to be a devoted and loving grandmother to her granddaughters.

Joan, also known as “Nana” to many, was everyone’s friend and family. She loved to meet new people wherever she went. She was known for her friendliness, generosity, New York accent, and saucy attitude. She was also very involved in the YMCA, Oceanside Volunteer Police Department, and the Red Hat Society.

Joan was preceded in death by her fathers, Joe and John, her mother, Olga, and two of her brothers, Johnny and Danny. She is survived by her son Robert Joseph Thom, daughter in law Kristine Ann (Norris) Thom, her granddaughters Ashley Elizabeth Thom and April Joan (Thom) Branch, her sister Elaine Joy Gelardi, her brother Thomas G. McNamara, and her lifelong friend Melinda Ann Hill.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 10am at Rowan Apartment Club House located at 700 W. Grand Ave, Escondido, California 92025.

Please contact granddaughter April for details at [email protected].