Obituary of Joan Elma BaRoss

Joan Elma BaRoss

February 20, 1935 – January 13, 2023

Our beloved mother, Joan Elma BaRoss (Neuberger), 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love on January 13, 2023, after a brief illness.

She was happily married for 63 years to her high school sweetheart and soulmate John Frank BaRoss, who predeceased her in 2016. They were devoted and loving parents to John Jr. (married to Kim Kroening BaRoss), David (married to Beth Williams BaRoss) and Carolyn (married to Douglas Weir), all who survive Joan along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joan adored spending time with her grandchildren Carolyn, Rochelle (married to Kevin Semagin), Kelsey (married to Malcolm Herbert), and Kris, and loved sharing family traditions with them, especially her family’s Norwegian Christmas cookie recipes, plus knitting, sewing, and artistic projects. She delighted in welcoming her great-grandchildren Ryleigh, Landon, Howell, and Gwendolyn.

Joan enjoyed travel and reading, both of which she did throughout her life. Her gentle kindness yielded devotion from her beloved dogs through the years. She respected life, and cared about animals and the environment. She loved nature and its beauty and it brought her joy, whether gardening or admiring sunsets from her home in Greenlawn, or birdwatching along the mangrove islands in the waters of Southwest Florida where she and her husband John wintered for many years during retirement in St. James City. They appreciated the waters of Long Island and around Pine Island, Florida through their love of boating.

Joan was a lifelong resident of Long Island, born and raised in Huntington, she was honored with a prize as top student on the academic list at Robert Toaz Junior High school, and graduated in 1953 from Robert L. Simpson High School. She completed her education at the Katharine Gibbs School, after which worked as an assistant to the writer Winthrop Neilson. After raising her small children, she returned to work at WGSM radio station and then held administrative positions at AT&T and Lucent Technologies.

Joan was dedicated to raising her family and creating a beautiful home. She had taste and artistic talent. In addition to making clothing for her young family, she sewed many elements for furnishing her home. She collected antiques and objects and alongside John, would lovingly decorate their homes in New York and Florida together, weaving in sentimental family heirlooms. Their home in Greenlawn was to be their comfortable oasis for their entire life together.

Joan brought her idealistic energy to the betterment of the community. In 1965, she was acting co-chair of the Committee that organized and advocated to bring a public library to Greenlawn / Centerport, which is now the Harborfields Public Library. She was active in her church, the school PTA, and both Cub and Girl Scouts as den mother and troop leader. In later years she worked with John and others to organize High School reunions, and she loved reconnecting with childhood friends.

An unassuming person, she had a natural beauty, a radiant smile, and was loyal, kind and adored a small circle of dear lifelong friends. With quiet strength, she was a good listener and patiently shared advice and guidance with her family always. Joan was a woman of deep faith which guided her morals, her devotion to family, and her attitude about life. She was dearly loved and will be missed.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Joan's name can be made to the Harborfields Public Library.