Obituary of Joan Ann Rinaldi

Joan Ann Rinaldi, 74, Fort Myers FL., (formerly of Cortland, NY) passed away March 26, 2020. She was born November 20, 1945 in Cortland, NY the daughter of the late Samuel and Rose Ann Rinaldi. Joan was a longtime resident of Cortland, NY until moving to Fort Myers FL. in 1982. While living in Cortland she worked at Wilson Sporting Goods for almost twenty years. After relocating to Florida she worked for several restaurants. She found her home away from home at West Wind Inn on Sanibel Island, FL. An employee for almost twenty years she became well known to many as “Momma Joan” & “Joanie”. She had a vivacious personality, making those around her laugh, smile and feel loved. Her favorite saying was “See an old friend, make a new friend.” Joan had a special gift of making everyone feel welcome with her comforting and loving nature. Joan is survived by her partner of thirty six years Gordon Byrd, her daughter Rhonda Hodgson both of Fort Myers FL, her son Eric (Jill) Bush of Colorado, her grandchildren Danielle (Curtis) McAdam, Rachel(Cole) Smith , Michael Kapuscinski and Lexi Hodgson. Great grandchildren Dylan and Kylie McAdam, Spencer, Loren and Aubree Bush, Adeline Smith and Kai Hodgson. Also, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family whom she cherished. In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her son Jeffrey Leo Bush, her sister Nancy Grinnell, and her brother Michael Rinaldi. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 1 pm Friday July 23, 2021 at St. Mary's Church of Cortland, NY, with burial on the family plot in Scott Union Cemetery. The Wright-Beard Funeral home is serving the family, online condolences may be left at www.wright-beard.com Contributions may be made to either St. Mary’s Church or St. Mary’s School, 59 N. main St., Cortland NY, 13045. “Let it go, life is short, embrace the day.” – Joan