Joanne Defabis

Joanne DeFabis 84, of Indianapolis, IN was born in Bloomington, IN to the parents of Lola Stultz Mason and William Mason. After graduation from Bloomington HS, Joanne moved with her mother to Indianapolis where they lived in a double on Talbot Street. She worked as a telephone operator for Indiana Bell and soon met Julio DeFabis. She followed Julio to California while he served in the US Navy where they married and began their 60 plus year journey together. Daughter Toni was born in California before they returned to Indianapolis so that Julio could join the family business, Safeway Foods. Joanne occasionally worked in one of the first stores as a cashier. A few years later she became the mother to Angi, Alice, Andy, Shelli and Chris. Her children will tell you that there was always a wonderful home cooked meal on the table, a lunch packed for school, clean clothes to wear, equipment for sports, rides for themselves and friends to school, practice, games, and lessons. No matter how busy she was as the mother of 6, she always had time to listen, help us sort out problems, tuck us in at night and teach us to be a better person. Joanne was an only child but her husbands brothers and cousin and their wives were like her own brothers and sisters and were some of her closest friends: Phil and Madeline, Ernie and Jerry, Mike and Jean, George and Ellie. She and Julio were able to enjoy almost 30 years of retirement. They bought a motor home and hit the road to go camping, visit out of town family, participate in organized run/walks across the Midwest, or go tailgating with kids and grandkids. She completed a 1 mile fun run when she was in her 60s. They were very active in the lives of 2 of the grandkids – Jeremiah and Jessica Benge – and probably attended every game, play, concert or event these 2 ever had. Joanne and Julio bought a small home in Florida and spent several winters there. They enjoyed having family and friends come to visit, met new friends and were happy to not be in Indiana during the cold. It was on one of their trips to Florida, that they had a terrible accident. She spent almost 3 months in the hospital and rehab. There was a good chance that Joanne wouldn't walk again, but with the combination of Julio's pushing her and being with her every moment and her own quiet determination to be mobile, she did walk again. They were able to return to Florida for more walks on the beach and trips to the jetty. Her beloved Julio became ill late in 2009. She was with him nearly every waking moment until his death 9 months later. They were truly devoted to one another. Joanne has spent the last 16 months living at Morningside of College Park where she has absolutely thrived. She was so happy to not have to drive anywhere, fix any more meals, worry about taking care of a house or be alone. She made many wonderful new friends and spoke highly of them. She participated in every event she could, organized the library, read the paper every day and several books a week. She loved crossword and jigsaw puzzles and was ready to go anywhere at anytime. Her passing came very quickly and her family is grateful to God that she did not suffer You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan