Joan Gertrude Dygert
December 21, 1934-January 16, 2020
Joan Dygert, 85, of Henrico, peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her family.
She is survived by her two siblings Dick Hitchcock and Marlene Fudge; three children, Ron Brush and his spouse Shelly, Cindy (Brush) Clark and her spouse Michael Clark, and Jeffrey Brush; seven grandchildren April Clark, Jonathon Brush and his spouse Miranda, Jacob Brush and his spouse Jessie, Shannon Brush, Sara Brush, Shelby Brush, Gracie Brush; two great-grandchildren Jack and Juliet Brush.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Hitchcock, her sister Jean Orton, her first husband Norman Brush, and second husband John Dygert.
She was born in Elmira, New York on December 21, 1934. She graduated from Southside High School where she lettered in badminton. Her high school nickname was “Mouse.” She enjoyed sharing many stories of life growing up with her brother, sisters, cousins, and her loving Mom.
In 1971, she moved to Sarasota, Florida with her husband John, where she lived for 43 years, raising her children, spending time with her granddaughter, and enjoying life in the sunshine state. She was so proud of all of her children, especially of her oldest son and daughter, who both served in the Air Force. She had many occupations over the years however her favorite was her career as a health instructress, helping people better themselves. In 2014, she moved to Virginia, to be with her youngest son and his family. She cherished visits from her daughter and her oldest son and their families.
In her final days, she said, “The Lord has given me a wonderful life and family”. Spending time with her family filled her heart with joy. Her face would light up whenever she saw her children, grandchildren, and her precious great-grandchildren; getting and giving smiles, hugs, and kisses. She loved joking with her grandchildren, sharing her wit and making them laugh. She always looked forward to attending their high school football games, marching band performances and their holiday concerts. She loved talking to her children and grandchildren that lived out of town. She enjoyed going for weekend car rides, watching TV, and seeing the birds and squirrels in her backyard. She could never resist eating her chocolate ice cream, tic tacs, potato chips, and chocolate candy kisses.
Hearing her soft voice saying “I love you” will be truly missed.
The family would like to acknowledge the kind and loving care she received from the Hospice group at Nayar Health Care. Along with the spiritual and emotional support they gave her loved ones.
Her grandchildren would like to express their sincerest gratitude for the unconditional love and care that her youngest son, Jeffrey, gave his mother throughout her final years, especially the continuous care he provided for her during the last three months. He rarely left her side and we could all see how much it truly meant to her.
The family will honor Joan with a celebration of life gathering at a time still to be determined.
You will be so missed, Grandma. Thank you so much for opening your arms and heart to me. You always made me feel like I was one of your grandchildren. You made me feel like such a good person and a wonderful mother. I will miss you more than I can express with words but I am so happy that you are whole again. Until we meet again ❤️
God speed Joan. You have been a treasure to your family. Rest in peace knowing you did your job well.
Such a privilege to have known Joan and witness the unconditional love she had for the grandchildren we shared and the family times we had. Joan was small in stature but a giant in the world of her family. Her easy smile, open arms and loving expressions will always be remembered. Rest in peace, my friend.
I am so sorry for the Loss of my Sister. Thank you Jeff for the Wonderful care you have her. Thankful that you facetimed me a few days before she passed. Love you so much Jeff & your Family for giving her the Wonderful life she had during her final years.
Mom, I want to thank you for being the best Mom a daughter could ask for. You made the years you were in Florida the happiest with your fun loving quick wit and general craziness. We enjoyed our out of town mall adventures and especially taking you out on your Birthday every year to look at the Christmas decorations. I’m so glad I got to take you to the radio station dance party and taught you the Cupid Shuffle. When you moved away you always asked when we would be able to dance again. I’m looking forward to dance with you again when we meet in Heaven. Your last words to me were “I love you, you are my best friend”. Mom you will ALWAYS be my best friend and I love you more than words can say. Till we meet again.
I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to meet you because of your blessed son Jeffrey. You were so kind and welcoming. Your voice was so gentle and your smile memorable. There is no question that you truly will be missed.