JoAnn Geraci-Beauford

JoAnn Phyllis Geraci-Beauford was born on October 28, 1950 to Thomas and Mae-Domenica Geraci in Brooklyn, NY. She was the youngest of 3 siblings, her brother Thomas and sister, Susan. Growing up in an Italian American family, her values were rooted deeply in God, Family and Food. She was passionate about all 3 of those things. Everything she did was infused with passion. If JoAnn was doing anything, she was giving it her ALL, always! JoAnn was spunky, kind and determined as a child. She would be ready to run around and play baseball in the streets, go on bread truck rides with her dad and rescue animals from the street with her mom. She would be the first to tell you that she had a wonderful childhood with amazing parents. She would tell you "I didn't want for nothing." Throughout JoAnn's childhood, she had some health issues but she was always a fighter, and was until her very last breath! Fast forward some years...JoAnn decided to enroll in college off of a bet from a friend. She said, "if they can do it, so can I." She attended undergrad at Kings Community College. During her time in college, she worked different jobs at Courtesy drugstore and a local movie theater. There, she made lifelong friendships and had many travel adventures! Anyone that knew her during that time would tell you that she was an incredible friend. She was inspiring, forward thinking, carefree and adventurous! Fast forward a little bit more...The year is 1976 and JoAnn met the love of her life. JoAnn was teaching at the United Nations school in Manhattan when she stepped into the elevator and bumped into this tall, dark, handsome man. He happened to be the gym teacher, bus driver and handyman extraordinaire for the school. As James Beauford Sr. would say, "She took my feet out from under me. She cut my legs!" They had their first date at Nathan's with hot dogs and fries...and the rest is history! A year later, they got married on March 19th, 1977. They were together for 45 years before he passed in 2021. They had their fair share of ups and downs but they stuck by one another through it all! A year later, they welcomed their first child- James Jr. JoAnn and Jim lived in humble spaces throughout Brooklyn, including with JoAnn's parents in Canarsie. After becoming a mother, she decided to take her education to the next level. Even though she had already been teaching for a number of years, she decided to get her Masters degree in Education. She attended New York University (NYU) while teaching and mothering full-time! In 1983, JoAnn and Jim had baby boy #2, Jonathan! JoAnn graduated from NYU. She continued to teach in New York City schools in Manhattan and Brooklyn. In 1987, JoAnn and Jim welcomed their final child, baby girl, Mae-Domenica. They all continued to live with JoAnn's mom and dad in Brooklyn, until her mom fell ill with Parkinson's disease. JoAnn and Jim became full-time care-takers of her mom at that point. They moved out to Freeport, Long Island in 1990, so that they would have more space and a handicap accessible home for their family to take care of JoAnn's mom. JoAnn poured everything she had into her family. She was always a fun, caring, teach you and tell it to you straight mom. She would do anything for her family. JoAnn instilled compassion, hard work and creativity in her 3 kids. She taught them to be open to all people and to not take any mess from anybody! JoAnn was also an excellent cook. Her children's friends and families would flock to her house to get the most delicious meals: spaghetti and meatballs, chicken cutlets, pesto pasta, eggplant parmigiana… In 2007, JoAnn's son, James got married to Nicole. In 2018, JoAnn's daughter, Domenica got married to Brian. In 2019, JoAnn's son, Jonathan got married to Kelley. In 2009, JoAnn's first grandchild was born, Abigail. In 2012, JoAnn welcomed her second grandchild, Natalie. In 2015, her only grandson, Dominic was born. In 2019, JoAnn's fourth grandchild, Josephina came into the world. In 2022, her fifth grandchild was born, Cecilia. JoAnn took care of and taught her grandchildren like they were her own. Everyone would agree that Noni was the best! Another important part of JoAnn's identity was being an educator. For 35 years she was a passionate, dynamic, caring teacher to the children in the New York City schools. JoAnn always provided exciting experiences for her students. She pushed them to be their best everyday and to always work hard. JoAnn would spend hours planning lessons. She would rewind and fast forward tapes for hours as she created scripts for class plays such as Little Mermaid, Grease and Hercules. JoAnn believed in and truly transformed her students. During the past 35 years living in Freeport, she was always a dedicated, inspiring community member. JoAnn actively participated in Dollars for Scholars, raising money for scholarships for Freeport students. JoAnn could be seen selling t-shirts and sweatshirts at all community and school events throughout the year raising money for Dollars for Scholars. She held the office of Vice President and Secretary to contribute to the Freeport Public School PTAs. JoAnn voluntarily headed the 2 Sports Nights, STEM Night and the Plant Sale at Bayview Ave School and initiated and donated from the PTA plants for a beautification garden project. She continued to do all of these things and more as 3 of her grandchildren are still in Freeport Public Schools. Throughout the years, she has received various awards for her education and community work! JoAnn Geraci-Beauford’s life truly mattered and made an impact that will be felt for years to come. She will be incredibly missed by family, friends and the community! In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Freeport Dollars for Scholars in JoAnn’s name to help provide scholarships to Freeport students. https://secure.givelively.org/donate/freeport-dollars-for-scholars

JoAnn Geraci-Beauford

October 28, 1950 - February 21, 2025