Joan LeStrange Rorick
November 4, 1933 - January 12, 2017
Joan LeStrange Rorick, loving wife, mother and grandmother, died January 12, 2017 at the UCSF Medical Center Benioff Hospital. Joan was born in Elisabeth, New Jersey on November 4, 1933 to William J and Julia LeStrange. The family moved from New Jersey to Colorado, New York, and finally Toledo, Ohio. She graduated from Central High School, attended University of Toledo and graduated with a BA in Education. While in college, she was an active sister in the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Due to her love for children, she then pursued an additional teaching degree in special education and taught Kindergarten for several years before meeting the love of her life.
When Joan met Robert B. “Bob” Rorick in Toledo, they soon married and were joined together for the rest of their lives. They relocated to Ross, California in 1961 and remained there for 50 years. Joan was devoted to her children’s upbringing and education. She volunteered as a room mother, organized and participated in many school field trips and activities and held leadership roles with both the Cub and Girl Scouts. At the same time, through her love of the dramatic arts, she became involved with the Masque Unit of Marin County. Her involvement spanned some 40 years where she acted, directed and worked behind the scenes.
Joan found a real love for antiques and art. In 1979, Joan was accepted into the Docent Program at the Fine Arts Museums specifically the DeYoung Museum and the Palace of the Legion of Honor. As a docent for thirty four years, she provided tours of the permanent collections and special exhibitions to public, private and school groups. She loved to introduce the young children and public to the world of art through her enthusiasm and humor. During her illustrious career, she was a Co-Chair of Bouquets to Art, a fundraiser for the San Francisco Museum Auxiliary in 1999 and 2000 then was Chair in 2007 and served as President of the San Francisco Auxiliary from 2006 to 2008.
After moving to Santa Rosa in 2010, Joan integrated herself at Spring Lake Village, their new home, by actively participating in community functions and on several committees. She created the Neighborto-Neighbor program and was about to assume the Presidency of the Residents Council before her untimely passing.
Joan and Bob loved to travel together and shared many moments making memories around the world. They were able to visit so many of the wonderful places of history and see the art she had so fondly studied. She was a consummate hostess with a true passion for all holidays. All her life, she was a voracious reader and made friends of all ages. She will be remembered for her generosity, warmth, boundless energy, intellect and vivacious presence. Joan was a beautiful, confident, sophisticated and well-respected loving woman who will be missed tremendously by many.
Joan is survived by her brother, William J LeStrange IV (Mary) of Sylvania, OH; children Robert B. Rorick, Jr. (Betsy) of Woodstock, NY; Michael F. Rorick of Ross, CA; Genevieve R. Schlangen (Henry) and her grandchildren Julia and Grace of St. Helena, CA.
A mass will be held at 11:30 am on March 25th at Star of the Valley Catholic Church in Oakmont, 545 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa, CA, followed by a Celebration of Life from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Spring Lake Village.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Docent Council of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco, CA 94118 or to the Episcopal Senior Communities Foundation, 2185 N. California Blvd., Suite 575 Walnut Creek, CA 94596.