Joan Andrews

Martha "Joan" Andrews, 83, of Punta Gorda passed away November 23, 2011. She was the daughter of Orra D. and Ruth (Hawk) Williams, born October 30, 1928 in Mechanicsburg, OH. Joan came to this area from Miami, FL in 1972. She was a wonderful homemaker, wife, and mother who was deeply involved in the community. Joan was among the core group of individuals who formed the state organization Florida Association of Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (FLASHHH) now known as Hearing Loss Association of Florida (HLA-FL) and was instrumental in founding the Charlotte Chapter in 1994. Joan led by example and was an encouragement and mentor to many. She served tirelessly to ensure that the organization was better able to reach out to hard of hearing persons. In 1997 she was awarded the J C Penney Golden Crystal Award for her volunteer service to SHHH. In 2009, the first annual "Joan Andrews Scholarship" was awarded; the scholarship is presented to an individual who demonstrates a sincere educational interest and commitment to sharing the mission of HLA with others affected by hearing loss. Joan has truly left a legacy of service and love for hard of hearing persons and all who knew her. Joan will be greatly missed by her husband of 61 years, Dr. Bob Andrews; daughters, Jane (John Cox) Smith of St. Petersburg, FL, Mary Jo Andrews of Frankfort, KY, Judith Waldrop of Punta Gorda, and Sally (Curtis) Long of Inverness, FL; son, Daniel Andrews of Zephyrhills, FL; and grandsons, Wesley Andy Waldrop, Robert Waldrop, and Evan Long. The service in celebration of Joan's life will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Church of the Good Shepherd in Punta Gorda. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Church of the Good Shepherd, 401 W. Henry Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, note Joan Andrews Memorial in memo line; or to the Hearing Loss Association of Florida, 8019 Leafcrest Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32244, note Joan Andrews Scholarship/HLA-Florida in memo line. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.