Joan Prio Avery, PhD/c, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, ASID, 66, of Venice, FL, March 12, 2004. She was born April 19, 1937, and spent most of her life in and around the Chicago area. Joan moved to Venice three years ago from Winnetka, IL, and immediately became part of a wonderful, loving community. She attended St. Scholastica in Chicago, University of Florida, and Pacifica Institute of California. She had a private clinical practice in Winnetka. Joanne was a member of the American Psychological Association, American Society of Clinical Social Workers, and both the Chicago and Venice Yacht Clubs. Joanne was a loving mother, grandmother, friend, and confidant. She was always known to speak her mind, be honest, and most of all, she never gave up in WHOM or what she believed. She had a strong spirit, both in her Catholic faith as well as in life. She loved all things outdoors, especially fishing, golfing, and sailing. She could paint, draw, sculpt, and carve beautiful objects, which she would then give to those she loved. Joanne was always pursuing intellectual challenges and was always willing to “enlighten” others. She had a unique mixture of love, intelligence, compassion, humor, fun, vulnerability, drive, and so much more. Those of us who got to know and love her were truly blessed. Joanne is survived by three daughters: Maria Avery of San Francisco, CA, Pam Avery Goolden of Chesterfield, MO, and Susan “Suzy” Avery Hoselton of Austin, TX; her brother, Ross Prio of Tampa, FL; and five wonderful grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Jerry “Tugger” Avery. Services and interment were held at N.H. Scott & Hebblethwaite Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to UF Foundation-College of Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension/Schleroderma Research, UF Health Science Center, P.O. Box 103560, Gainesville, FL 32610, Attn: Michael Jessup. Funeral info: 847-998-1020.
