Joan Aragona

Joan Virginia Aragona VIRGINIA BEACH - Joan Virginia Aragona, 73, formerly of Virginia Beach, departed this life Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010 at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, after a brief illness. She was born July 24, 1937 in Jamaica, N.Y., one of six children born to the late John and Virginia Aragona. When she was a teenager, the family relocated to Virginia Beach and in August of 1985, she moved to Nags Head, N.C., where she lived until she returned to Virginia seven years ago. Affectionately called "Joanie," she was an avid cook who prided herself on preparing delicious Italian meals for her family and friends. Local butchers and store managers knew her by name and often kept her abreast of grocery sales and specials. She had a plethora of recipes and was happiest when she was cooking. Joanie also loved the beaches of the Outer Banks where she spent many hours searching for beautiful pieces of sea glass that she collected with the same fervor with which she cooked. She was predeceased by her sister, Philomena Aragona and is survived by two sisters, Rachel Sancilio and Rosemarie Aragona and two brothers, John Aragona Jr. and Eugene Aragona, all of Virginia Beach. Also left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Eva Ryan and her husband Chris, Virginia Mack and her husband Peter of Virginia Beach, and Margaret Hunt of Kitty Hawk; two sons, Kenneth Brethauer III and Stephan Brethauer, both of Virginia Beach; four grandchildren, Alison Smithwick, Evan Mack, Asher Hunt and Erin Hunt; other relatives and friends. The family will receive visitors from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, 1264 Great Neck Road. Scattering of cremains will be private, and the family will host a celebration of life reception for well-wishers Sunday at 4 p.m. at Chris and Eva's home, 2417 Millwood Road, Virginia Beach. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. CIAO.