Batavia, NY: Joan Elizabeth (Riebennacht) Marinelli Claphanson entered into rest on Thursday, February 14, 2019, she was 90 years old. Joan was the daughter of Iva and Aubrey Riebennacht. She was predeceased by her husbands, Joseph Marinelli and Charles Claphanson and her grandson, Noah Marinelli. She was also predeceased by her step-brother Fred Regetz, and a step-sister, Marian Beyel. Joan is survived by her son, Jeff (Suzanne) Marinelli; grandchildren, Rachael (Nick) Tachco and Michael Marinelli; great-granddaughter, Corrina Tachco; sister, Audrey Drake, and step-sister Katherine Davies, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Joan had a Master’s degree in art education, and taught for over 30 years for the Brighton School District. Joan was a resident of Pittsford and Livonia for many years until she and her husband, Charlie, moved to Cape Coral, Florida, to enjoy their later years. While enjoying her golden years in Florida, Joan enjoyed fresh squeezed orange juice from their own tree, solving the crossword and jumble everyday, and watching the birds and taking in the beautiful plants and flowers of Southwest Florida. She loved belonging to the December Group and was proud to always be asked to bring an hors d’oeuvre to their monthly gatherings. A voracious reader, Joan especially loved Janet Evanovitch novels. 3 pm signaled cocktail time and Joan loved a Franzia with ice and snacks on the porch or lanai. Joan made sure to stay in touch with her family in the north with frequent mailings – clippings from the paper and cat postcards were frequently found in loved one’s mailboxes. Her art outlet in her later years often revolved around her work as a seamstress; quilts and dolls were favorite projects. Joan will be remembered as a loving, kind and compassionate wife, mother, aunt and grandmother. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
There will be no calling hours. Private family services will be held in the spring. Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Please pass along a smile with a kind word in remembrance of our Joan.