Joan M. Perrott's Obituary
PERROTT, Joan “Joanie” Mardelle, 86 of Belleair, Florida passed away on October 24, 2022, with her family at her side. She was an extraordinary wife, mother of five, grandmother to seven, great-grandmother to eight, sister, and friend. She is remembered for her beautiful smile, kindness to all, sense of humor, witty conversation, keen intellect, and wise counsel. She was a champion to many and graciously shared with others regularly.
Joan was born to Margaret Gross and Earl Abbott in Baltimore, MD, on August 18, 1936. She graduated from Dundalk High School in Maryland in 1956 and worked for various companies in communication and accounting, such as Epstein’s, and Bendix in Baltimore, Maryland. After starting her family and moving to Florida she served as office manager for Perrott Associates, Inc, in Clearwater until her retirement with her husband Ron in 1990.
Joan had many varied interests and hobbies. She was a beautiful seamstress and artist with a few of her paintings adorning her children’s homes. She enjoyed visiting and having regular crab feasts with her family on the Chesapeake Bay. Through the years, she traveled with her friends to many places throughout the world, enjoying many cruises with her unofficial “Rainbow Travel Club” group of longstanding Baltimore friends. She and Ron enjoyed dancing and even won a twist contest! She was an avid tennis player and loved to play golf as a member of the Belleair Country Club (BCC) since 1990. In her retirement she enjoyed playing bridge with her friends at BCC.
But mostly, Joan truly loved her family and friends. As a mother to five, she enjoyed participating in their school activities and encouraged them to pursue their various careers. She was also a doting grandmother, fondly known as “Nana”, making regular visits to spend time with grandchildren. There was not an accomplishment or celebration that she missed along the way. Once great-grandchildren arrived, “Great-Nana” continued this same legacy of supporting them with love, visits, gifts, and calls, etc. She fiercely protected and supported her extensive family and was so beloved by every one of them.
“Joanie” was a friend to all and was so proud of the many friends that surrounded her and loved her. She had a magnetic personality that drew you towards her and her sense of humor was unparalleled. She adored her friends and the many opportunities to get together with them for dinners, movies, celebrations, cruises, trips, etc., cherishing each moment. Everyone loved being around her and commented on her smile, warmth, and generosity. Joanie truly never met a stranger.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Abbott, and Margaret and James Barborka (stepfather) of Baltimore, MD, brother Donald, and two daughters, infant Kristen Theresa, and Karen Margaret. She is survived by her devoted husband Ron of 67 years and three children: daughter Dr. Kathleen Perrott Wilson (Steve Wilson) of Tallahassee, FL., sons Dr. Ronald E. Perrott, Jr. of Indian Rocks Beach, FL., and Timothy James Perrott of Boca Raton, FL. She is survived by seven grandchildren: Craig Sorrell Pittman, Jr. (Sally) of Enterprise, AL., and Jennifer Leigh Stoffel of Freeport, FL.; Cameron Grace Perrott and Dana Corinne Perrott of Belleair, FL., and Caroline Bentley Perrott, John “Jack” Carter Perrott, and Samuel James Perrott of Atlanta, GA. She is survived by eight great-grandchildren: Skylar Isabella, Lillie Caroline, Ruth McKinnon, Leah Kate, and Esther Gabriella Stoffel, all of Freeport, FL.; and Craig Sorrell III, Marjorie Layne, and John Robert Pittman, all of Enterprise, AL. She is also survived by two brothers, James “Jim” Barborka of Huntsville, AL., and Dennis Barborka (Linda) of Lake Mary, FL.
The family would like to thank the many health care providers that supported her over the past few years. Especially the local physicians that, although too numerous to list, were exceptional in their care and went well beyond just being caring physicians but became true friends. As well as the Tampa General Kidney Transplant team, the many professionals that provided in-house rehabilitation and the wonderful visiting professionals that cared for Joan. It was truly a TEAM! We cannot thank you all enough.
And above all, the family would especially like to thank her husband, Ron, who every second of every day, tirelessly, lovingly, and joyfully cared for his wife, and her daughter, Kathleen Wilson, who unflinchingly donated the kidney that allowed Joan to enjoy a long and meaningful life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Clearwater, FL. on 11/7/22 @ 10:30 AM. In her memory, donations can be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org). Condolences may be shared at mossfeaster.com.
Below is our family reflection regarding our beloved wife, mother, and Nana.
OUR FAMILY CHAIN
We little knew that morning,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You’re always by our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again…..
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?