JoAnne Marie Kroesser Fox, “Nana”, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, sister and friend, passed away at the age of 82 in The Villages of Florida on June 6, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born November 29, 1942, in Philadelphia, PA to Helen and Fidel Kroesser, JoAnne was a dedicated nurse and U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a captain and head nurse at Clark Station Air Force Base in the Philippines during the Vietnam War, where she met George A. Fox, Jr., her husband of 56 years. The newlyweds moved to George’s hometown, Cincinnati, where JoAnne worked for 32 years as an RN and director of the allergy department at ENT Associates.
JoAnne was a devoted mother to her three children and their spouses, and a wonderful “Nana” to her ten beloved grands and three bonus grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was loyal and fun, and her close family ties and beautiful friendships spanned her entire life. Often “the life of the party” who loved to dance, JoAnne exuded boundless energy, an indomitable spirit, and unwavering love. Dedicated to service, JoAnne was often called upon for medical advice and care by family, friends and neighbors. She spent 80 summers in her “happy place”, Ocean City, NJ, with both bloodline and “saltwater” relatives of five generations who still gather every summer on Gardens Road. There, she will be remembered in the warmth of the sunshine and sand between our toes, at cocktail hour with a Tanqueray and tonic, in a game of 5 Crowns and in the eternal calming sound of the ocean waves that beckon her home.
She lived each day to the fullest, with gratitude, creativity, compassion and a sense of humor. She leaves behind a beautiful life of selfless service, devotion to God and a legacy of love.
Her family and friends both mourn and celebrate having loved this angel on earth: her husband, George A Fox, son Chad (Tricia) Fox, daughter Chrisandra Fox Walker, son Jeff (Jlee) Fox, brother Bill Kroesser (Anne Fishkin), sister-”twin” Marilynn (Ed) Peery, sister-in-law Bo (Don) Ochse, cousin Kim Fox, nephew Matt Peery (Jaymie Gustafson), niece Stephanie (Dan) Sanderoff, nephew Steven Peery, nephew David Kroesser, niece Deb K. B. Oliver, the Stock Family, her beloved Grands – Joey Fox (Audrey Laiveling), Frankie Fox, Luke Fox (Libby Leubbering), Jane Fox, Elle Fox, AJ Fox, Evie Fox, Isaiah Santiago, Landenn Santiago, Malanee Santiago, Harry Fox Walker, Hugh Fox Walker & Hawkins Fox Walker, and many dear cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM at St. Francis Cabrini Church in Ocean City, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Legion Post 513. P.O. Box 31121 Cincinnati, OH 45231
