Obituary of Joan Anselma Alli

Joan Anselma Cole was born, July 5, 1925. She was the second of five children born to the union of John and Millicent Cole, of St. James, Trinidad and Tobago.

In 1945 Joan married Fitzroy Alli. The couple soon filled their home with the love and laughter of six children. Being a mother who always sought the best for her children, the family relocated to London, England in 1961. While living in London Joan furthered her education, graduating as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Enfield War Memorial Hospital.

Joan and Fitzroy placed a high priority on education. Seeking more for their children, the family moved again, this time to Brooklyn, New York. As her children completed their education, Joan continued her nursing career. Following 20 years of faithful nursing service in New York, Joan retired. She and Fitzroy spent their leisure time visiting children and grandchildren around the world. Joan was a very good cook. Visits with her family were always extra special because “Granny” could be counted on to make curry, roti and other traditional dishes at a moment’s notice.

After 49 years of marriage Joan lost her beloved Fitzroy. Although he was no longer by her side Joan continued to serve the Brooklyn community. She remained an active member of St. Barnabas Church serving in whatever capacity she was needed. As a long term resident of Martin Luther Court Senior Apartments Joan loved interacting with her neighbors. While living there she taught weekly craft classes and worked in the garden. As a member of both the East New York Interagency Council for the Aging and the Brooklyn – wide Interagency Council for the Aging, Joan made sure her neighbors were updated on anything happening in the community.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband Fitzroy Alli, parents John and Millicent Cole, brothers John and Samuel ‘Irwin’ Cole, sisters Anita Henry and Alex Gall.

She leaves to honor and cherish her memory two daughters, Suzette (David) Pearson Wellington, New Zealand, Gayle Redhead London, England, four sons, Dune Ali, Trinidad and Tobago, Dane Alli, Phoenix, Arizona, Delano (Cheryl) Alli, Oro Valley, Arizona and Damon Alli, Trinidad and Tobago. 11 grandchildren, Joy Phillips, Dune Ali Jr, Reynard Alli, Karla Lewin, Rhea Rucker, Whitney Alli, Dwayne Ali, Ryun Alli, Derron Alli, Lauren Presley, and Kern Alli. 9 great grandchildren, Ariel Rucker, Kayla Lewin, Noah Phillips, Kimora Lewin, Zev Phillips, Alizah Rucker, Lucas Ali, Rooney Ali, and Amaya Presley as well as a host of family and friends

In lieu of flowers please make doantions to St, Barnabas Episcopal Church, 725 Belmont Ave, Brooklyn, NY  11208