Joan Louise Sandridge Colaluca

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Louise Sandridge Colaluca on September 6, 2023. Born on November 30, 1930, Joan was a beloved wife. mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She grew up on a farm in Ravenna, Ohio, where she learned the value of hard work and determination. After graduating high school as valedictorian of her class, Joan enlisted in the U.S. Army where she met her husband, Donald. Together, they settled in Somerville, New Jersey, and raised seven wonderful children - five boys and two girls. In 1968, Donald, who was affectionately known as Coke, was transferred to Tokyo, Japan, and the family followed him, living on a military base in Momote Village for six years. After their time in Japan, the family moved back to the states and settled in Lancaster, Texas, where Joan lived for the last 49 years. She was an active parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, holding various titles and responsibilities, and volunteering countless hours. She also delivered Meals on Wheels for 33 years, rain or shine, showing her dedication to serving others. Joan was an excellent cook. Her family especially loved Sundays when they would gather for a meal she prepared. She enjoyed traveling, reading, crafts, sewing, and spending time with her family, friends, and grandkids. She also enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino with her daughters! Joan is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Coke; their son, Norman; her parents, Harold and Hazel Sandridge; her brother, Dari Sandridge; and her sisters, Marilyn Moore and Ruth Day. Joan is survived by her daughters, Lisa Gatlin and husband Ed of Lancaster, TX; Nancy Hooper and husband Jon of Oak Leaf, TX; her sons, Victor Colaluca of Mims, FL; Donald Colaluca and wife Lisa of Lancaster, TX; Mark Colaluca, Singapore; Andrew Colaluca and wife Debra, Midlothian, TX; daughter-in-law Faye Colaluca, Ft. Worth, TX; her grandchildren, Lisa Mayfield (Josh), Michael Colaluca (Robin), Stephanie Colaluca, Tyler Gatlin (Ami), Shelbi Gatlin (Anthony), Paden Gatlin, Maddie Hooper, Lindsey Von Alst (Austin), Lori Colaluca, Dalton Colaluca; Nicholas Colaluca, Kendall Colaluca, Connie Villalobos (Cedric); her great grandchildren, Rhiannon, Heidi, Charlee, and Callan. She will be deeply missed by her children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her warm presence, kind heart, and quick wit will forever be remembered by all who knew her. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Byrum Funeral Home Chapel in Lancaster, TX. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church,1537 Rogers Avenue, Lancaster with a Rosary beginning prior to the mass at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Joan’s memory. Rest in peace, dear Joan, and thank you for the beautiful memories you leave behind.

Tributes

Joan Louise Sandridge Colaluca

November 30, 1930 - September 6, 2023