Joanne De La Cruz, age 92, passed peacefully on September 7, 2021 in Batavia, NY, with her loving daughter, son-in-law, and friends by her side. A resident of Buffalo, NY for nearly her entire life, she was a person of humor, creativity, and loving strength. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.
Joanne was born in Buffalo, NY on June 22, 1929 to Elizabeth and Charles A. Miller. She studied horticulture in college and eventually found her true love which was acting. After moving to New York City to pursue her dream, she was one of the few female stand-up comedians of the time, once playing the Friars Club of NY. In 1975, she established and ran with her daughter a professional summerstock theater in Napoli, NY, hiring professional actors from New York City to provide professional theater to rural Western New York. Joanne was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents Charles A. and Elizabeth Miller.
Joanne is survived by her loving brother Charles W. Miller; daughter Rebecca Storrow of Stuart, FL; her grandchildren Rob Storrow and Melissa Storrow McComas; and grandchildren Ryan McComas, Jr. and Emilia McComas.
Relatives and friends may visit PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 1671 Maple Rd., Williamsville, on Saturday (September 18, 2021) from 11am - 2pm. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2pm.
Following Joanne's services at the funeral home, her family cordially invites you to join them for a reception at Rizotto Italian Eatery, 930 Maple Rd., Williamsville.
Relatives and friends are also invited to attend a burial service at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Elmwood Ave., Tonawanda, on Monday (September 20, 2021) at 11am. Please assemble at the cemetery office.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14021.
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