Joan Athena Cocozza, age 84, wife of the late Raymond Anthony Cocozza, of Phoenixville, PA, passed away at home after her protracted battle with cancer on Thursday, May the 4th be with you, 2023. Born on November 13, 1938, in Brisbane, Australia, she was the daughter of the late Lilly, Florence Lillian (Swain) Pryor, and Arthur James Pryor.
Joan moved from Australia to London in her latter 20s. It was there that she met and fell in love with her late husband, Raymond. At that time, who could have guessed that her momentary desire to stop and view a ballet poster on the London Piccadilly station platform would be the beginning of a multi-continent love story. Raymond "accidentally" showed up at many places across Europe to renew and affirm the seriousness of his affection. They eventually relocated to the United States in 1971 and were married on November 18th, 1972. In 1978 Joan and Raymond welcomed Christine into their family. Little did they know that their innate love of travel would rub off on their daughter, and lead the entire family, plus Lisa Jurasek, to travel the world, making memories that lasted until her very last days. Mrs. Cocozza retired after many years working for Vanguard as a telephone analyst. She was an avid traveler, gardener, and bridge player at the Phoenixville YMCA. She volunteered her time in the St. Peter's Pantry providing food to local residents in need. She also served on the Hope Ministry of St. Ann Church, driving church members to many of their appointments and doctor visits.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Christine Cocozza, wife of Michael McCallips of Phoenixville, PA; one sister, Noela, wife of Frank Lamb of Australia; and four nieces and nephews, Christine Sweeney, Robert Lamb, William Lamb, and Andrew Lamb of Australia.
Mike and Christine would like to very specially thank Michael Cocozza, Mary Cocozza, and Susan Silvasey for their love, the neighbors on North Forge Manor for their endless support, Brennan Becker for being one of the last people in the world willing to push mow a lawn, to the Caporale family for being my parents support from the beginning, to the trio of women who welcomed my parents for walks and breakfast, to the Phoenixville YMCA Bridge Club for being a warm and welcoming place for all new players, and to Mariama Conteh who helped Joan to maintain her independence and dignity to the end.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial mass in the St. Ann Church, 502 Main St., Phoenixville, PA on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Officiating will be Rev. John Newns. Burial will be held privately. Friends will be received from 9:30 AM-11:00 AM Thursday morning in the Church. Planters and live flowers are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Philadelphia Metro Wildlife Center by visiting https://www.phillywildlife.org/donate. There is the option of leaving a message with your donation on the web page. All are welcome to gather after the mass at the home of Mike and Christine, details will be provided during the services. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.