Joan C. Rokicki

Joan C. Rokicki, 70, of Toledo passed away Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio Perrysburg, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 23, 1944, in Toledo, Ohio and was one of four children born to Rhea and Edmund Samberg. Joan met her husband, Frank (Butch) at a gathering. Due to a large number of people trying to cram into a very small car, Joan was forced to sit on Butch's lap. Such began a lifelong love between the two of them. Joan enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards and board games, camping, and swimming in the backyard pool (but don't get her hair wet). Her laugh was infectious and she had a knack for turning your frown upside down. She always had to finish that last cup of coffee in the morning. Her kind heart and spirit was undeniable, and everyone who met her, loved Joanie. She loved a good fish and shrimp dinner. Joan worked at Tiedke's, Ohio Bell, and Riverside hospital (reception, switchboard, mailroom). She was a long-time member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Survivors include her husband, Frank; her children Lori, Donald, and Debra; her brothers Thomas (Maureen) Samberg and Michael (Marsha) Samberg; her sister-in-law Judy (Robert) Leonard; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joan was also preceded in death by her brother Ronald Samberg in 2000.

A Memorial Mass will begin Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist, 5153 Summit Street, Toledo, Ohio 43611, with visitation one hour prior from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. in the vestibule. The Newcomer Funeral Home – NW Chapel (419-473-0300) assisted the family with professional services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

God saw you getting tired
When a cure was not to be.
So He closed His arms around you,
And whispered, "Come to Me."
You didn't deserve what you went through,
And so he gave you … rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best.
And when I saw you sleeping
So peaceful … free from pain,
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone.
For a part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.