Joan J. Vrooman

Joan J. Vrooman of Newnan, Ga (formerly from Cortland, NY) died Thursday evening, November 11, 2021 at home surrounded by family. Born Oct. 6, 1929 in Toronto, Canada, she was the daughter of Arthur and Ivy Umpleby Jefferson. Joan moved to Cortland, NY in 1955 and lived there until 2018 when she moved to GA to live with her daughter, Susan and son in law, Philip Rehbein. For 27 years, Mrs. Vrooman was employed as Community Living Editor at the Cortland Standard. Her weekly humor column, “Cheese ‘n’ Crackers was a favorite among many of her readers. During her employment, she lectured in her field before many clubs and youth groups. She moderated media panel discussions and participated in local public television as a representative of the Communications Council of Cortland County. A 1948 graduate of the Toronto Conservatory of Music with an Associate Degree in piano performance, she attended the University of Toronto for three years. Mrs. Vrooman was named to “Who’s Who in Women Civic Leaders in America,” in 1980; to the Marquis “Who’s Who of American Women,” 1984/85 edition; and was the recipient of the local Zonta Club’s “Woman of Achievement” Award in 1985. She also received numerous commendations from area businesses and organizations. She held several offices in the Communications Council of Cortland County; served on the board of directors of the Cortland County Chamber of Commerce, was an advisory board member of the Aid to Women Victims of Violence, a trustee of the 1890 House Museum and was a Counselor representing Cortland County on the Finger Lakes Association. She held memberships in many organizations, including Zonta Club and the Auxiliary of the Cortland Memorial Hospital for which she wrote and edited their quarterly newsletter. She was a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church. She contributed to and edited their newsletter “The Chimes” which often included her adventures of “The Church Mouse.”. Mrs. Vrooman and her late husband loved to travel and have cruised extensively throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and the Mediterranean as well as visiting several other countries and continents. Her interests included reading, photography, gardening, writing, and spending time with friends. After her divorce from her first husband, Gerald W. Ames, Joan married William C. Vrooman on Aug. 24, 1963, joining two families with a total of 8 children, ranging in age from 7 to 20. Bill died in 2000. Surviving are her two sons, Michael G. Ames of Cortland, NY and William F. Vrooman of Waldo, FL; six daughters, Susan Ames (Phillip) Rehbein of Newnan GA; Dianne Ames (David) McLaughlin of Pittsboro, NC; Kathleen Ames (Dwayne) Brooker of Limestone, ME; Sally Vrooman (David) Kell of Melrose, FL; Barbara Vrooman (Robert) Hart of Keystone Heights, FL; and Mary Jane (Lori Kloesz) Vrooman of Rochester, NY; 12 granchlidren, Melonie Dappie (Bernard) of Southport, NC; Matthew Rehbein (Amanda Pieper) of Newnan, GA; Amy Terlizzi of Newnan, GA; Andrew Rehbein (Allie) of Kennesaw, GA; Kristen Treacy of Cortland, NY; Tracie Meola (Seth Barrow) of Orlando, FL; Dylan McLaughlin of Pittsboro, NC; Dexter McLaughlin of Greensboro, NC; Eric Kell (Laura) of Fort Mill, SC; Brian Kell (Andrea) of Morrisville, NC; Ryan Hart (Jessica) of Pompano Beach, FL; and Kevin Hart of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and 16 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Cortland, NY. Inurnment will be in Cortland Rural Cemetery, Cortland, NY.