UPDATE: SERVICE INFO-A Mass for the Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA. Reception immediately following service.

Joan Dolores Ravizza, 82, passed away on October 1, 2018 in Virginia Beach. She was born in Brooklyn, NY to Edmund Longton and Elizabeth Stonitsch Longton, and was the oldest of two children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband John. After marrying the love of her life, John, they remained sweethearts until his passing 62 years later. She had four daughters and eventually moved the family to Virginia Beach.

Joan was raised in Massachusetts, graduating from Pittsfield High School. She was a bank teller, restaurant cook and manager, and daycare provider. Joan loved cooking, Neil Diamond, animals, and children. She had her dear friends, “The Birthday Girls”, and was “Nanny” to the many families and children that touched her life through the loving care she provided. Greatest of all, she loved her husband and family, her most precious gifts.

She leaves behind those that love her very much including her brother Rudyard Longton and her four daughters: Kim Larson (Russ), Christine Ravizza (Billy), Karen Cole (Tim) and Colette Booher (Mark). She leaves a legacy as “Nanny” to seven grandchildren: Tim Cole, Jr. (Jeannie), Billy Ravizza (Angelica), Nicholas Cole (Jenna), Shane Ravizza (Nadia), Rachael Larson, Sarah Larson and Thomas Larson. Six great grandchildren (Zadie, Mason, Wyland, Lucas, Hayes and Brayden) as well as many family members including nieces and nephews and grand dogs. She will be greatly missed by all.

A service will be held at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Virginia Beach and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.