Joan Marie Zarnowski, 72, of St. Augustine, passed away on Oct. 19, 2011 at the Bailey Family Center for Caring. Born in Jersey City, N.J., she grew up in Harrison, N.J. and had been a longtime resident of Tyler Hill, Pa., before moving to St. Augustine in 1976. She worked as a secretary for the St. Johns County School System for nearly 30 years, mostly at the Yates Exceptional Student Center and at Webster Elementary School. She was an avid NASCAR fan, who especially followed Jeff Gordon"s career, and enjoyed watching NFL Football on television. Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, affectionately known as "GG" to her grandkids. She was most happy when she had a house full of family and friends on holidays, or any day for that matter. Her cooking never failed to draw a crowd because of the love that she poured into it.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony "Woody" Zarnowski; a son, Richard John Bellini; and a brother, Daniel Christy. She is survived by her daughters, Toni Marie Bellini and partner, Dawn Hale, Beth Ann Sullivan and husband Phillip, a son, John Michael Bellini and wife Melinda, all of St. Augustine; a sister, Barbara Jackson and husband Russ of Lyndhurst, N.J.; sister-in-law, Dolores Christy of New Jersey; grandchildren: Candace, Anthony, Ashleigh and Devin; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Madison and Kylie and her bff, Eleanor Nerbonne.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Augustine, with the Rev. Ed Booth, officiating. Interment will follow at San Lorenzo Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on this evening at St. Johns Family Funeral Home, with a Prayer Vigil at 6 p.m. Flowers are gratefully accepted or donations in her memory may be made to: Bailey Family Center for Caring, c/o Community Hospice of N.E. FL., 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.
St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 15, 2020
I met Joan when she was in charge of finding substitute teachers for Webster Elementary School. She introduced me to subbing for special needs students which I will ever be thankful. I spent seventeen years subbing for these wonderful children. She had a special place in her heart for them. Sue Logan
Dolores Yankoski
October 15, 2012
Joan will be remembered as a good friend and ex-classmate. She is missed by all.
October 24, 2011
Dear Beth and family,
My deepest sympathy on the death of your Mother. It was always such a pleasure to talk with her. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace and wisdom during this difficult time.
Sue Logan
Cindi Wright
October 23, 2011
Ms. Joni
You will be missed, I shall think of you often. Webster has another angel to watch over us!!May the peace of the Lord be with your family today and always!!!
October 22, 2011
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your Mother and my friend, My thoughts and prayers are with all your family, may she rest in peace. Dolores Yankoski, (Ocala, Fl)
October 22, 2011
Barbara and family my deepest sympathy. John Whesper (Ocean N.J)
Susan Brady
October 22, 2011
Joni was a devoted, caring woman with a great sence of humor. She was such a wonderful addition to Webster School. The students and staff Loved her! Ms Joni brightened our days with her smile. Please know that your mom made a huge difference in the lives she touched. May she now rest in the arms of Jesus. My deepest condolences to the family.
Mr & Mrs. H. Liberta
October 22, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to Joan's family during this very difficult time. You are in our hearts & prayers.
Eddie Wetmore
October 22, 2011
To Barbara & her family, my deepest sympathy to all of you & know my thoughts are with you.
Eddie Wetmore
October 21, 2011
To Toni, John, Beth and families, please know each of you are in my thoughts at this time of loss of your dear mother. How this saddens me. I'll never forget your mom's sense of humor, and the good kick in the butt she gave all of us when we needed it! I loved her dearly. I especially will never forget how she helped take care of me and my sister ,Sandy after our Dad died and our mom was on her own. It was great having 2 moms! Joan was a good friend and a caring cousin; yet I'll always remember her as "Aunt Joni", since that was what we called her. We are all blessed for having her in our lives. love to all of you, Sharon Linardi
Dawn Hale
October 21, 2011
MA I HOPE THAT U KNOW HOW MUCH U MEANT AND MEAN TOO ME, AND I HOPE THAT U KNOW I WISH THAT I HAD KNOWN U LONGER, BUT I ENJOYED EVERY MIN. THAT I SPENT WITH U, U ARE TRULY A GREAT PERSON AND I AM LUCKY TO HAVE KNOWN U. U WILL NOW AND ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. AND I MISS YOUR JOKES YOUR SMILES AND YOUR LAUGH I LOVE U MA.
Belinda Carmichael
October 21, 2011
Toni...my heart goes out to you and your family...May your mothers laughter always ring in your ears and may her smile always light your way
danne" c.
October 21, 2011
Dear Toni,
My Prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.remember all the good memories you have and i know the strength of god and your faith will somewhat heal the pain.
my heart goes out to you but take comfort in the fact that she is in the hands of god now and you will always have another angel smiling down on you.
god bless you and your family.
Carol Earman
October 21, 2011
I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet Joni. She was such a caring person and always had a smile for everyone. We will miss you dearly Joni.
Carol Earman,
Pulmonary Rehab Buddy
Loretta Nerbonne
October 21, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Mrs. Joni's family and friends during this difficult time. May you all find peace knowing she is no longer in any pain. As my grandmother's best friend for 29 years, she leaves behind many memories that will hold in my family's hearts forever.
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 KJV (King James Version)
Mary McGaw
October 21, 2011
Memories ,laughter and Love ,she leaves those treasures for all who knew her...those great memories will play over and over in our hearts.We will miss you Joni!
Mary McGaw,
Wellness group buddy..
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more