Obituary of Joanna Terranova

Mrs. Joanna Terranova (née DeSimone) of Pembroke Pines, Florida, passed away on Monday, April 15th, 2024. In her 81 years of life, Joanna found joy in travel, reading, good food, her strong faith, and many other things, but most of all in her family. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Joanna was born on July 23rd, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York. She is preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Mary DeSimone, and by her beloved husband of 54 years, Thomas Terranova. She is survived by her son, Thomas Terranova, daughter-in-law (or daughter-in-heart, as Joanna would say), Tina Terranova, daughter Jana Ryan, son-in-law/heart David Ryan, and grandchildren Julia Terranova, John Ryan, Thomas Terranova, Zachary Ryan, and Emily Ryan. Joanna is also survived by her siblings Loretta O'Sullivan, Roberta DeSimone Parachini, John DeSimone and his wife Joanne, Marianne Wingfield and her husband Robert (Bob), and her many beloved nieces and nephews. Joanna loved being part of such a large family, and felt incredibly lucky to be raising her’s alongside her siblings’ families. She deeply valued summers spent in Point Pleasant and family reunions with her siblings and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Joanna graduated from John Jay High School in 1960 and had fond memories of her time as a member of the Phi Sigma sorority. She and Tom were married in 1965 and raised their children in Brooklyn before moving to Florida in 1981. Joanna had a wonderful life as a member of her church and community. She worked as an office manager and took care of her beloved children, and later grandchildren. Joanna was many things, but above all she was kind, generous, and good-hearted. She took great joy in sharing what she loved with her family, be it sweaters she lovingly crocheted for her nieces and nephews, a new delicious recipe she baked, or a good book recommendation. Joanna was very curious and always learning about something new; one of her favorite topics was the art and culture of Italy. She was also artistically inclined herself, and was often called upon to design and paint posters in school. She found joy all around, but especially in sweet treats. If you ever went out to dinner with Joanna, you know that the answer to "would anyone like to see a dessert menu?" was always a definitive yes. Joanna will be missed dearly by all who love her. In Repose Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Funeral Mass Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church- Pembroke Pines following Entombment at 11:45 A.M. Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery-North Lauderdale. Please keep the Terranova family in your thoughts and prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is Honored to assist the Terranova family with the arrangements.