Joann Cootware, of Fort Myers, Fl; passed away at Lee Memorial hospital on August 20,2025; after losing her five year battle with cancer.

Joann was born on November 28, 1960, in Bronx, New York to parents Charles Cinque and Josephine Vitolo, both of whom have preceded her in death. Joann was one of five girls, her loving sister Karen, whom she is survived by; and her sisters Lori, Diane, and Linda; whom preceded her in death. The family came to Florida when Joann was a young girl. She graduated from Fort Myers High School.

She later married Steven H. Cootware at St. Cecilia’Church in the early 1980’s. The couple had five children together; Steven, Tiffany, Matthew and Eric, whom she is survived by; and Justin, whom preceded her in death. Joann was an amazing mother. She always put her kids before herself.

Joann is known for her strength and unmatched work ethic. She was devoted to her position at the Florida Lottery for many years. Joann took pride in her work and it showed. She was adored by her co-workers. Through her leadership she created a positive and goal oriented atmosphere in the workplace that will be missed for years to come.

Joann was a kind and giving person. In her free time she enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, crocheting, especially wreaths and Santa Clause, gardening, especially her rose bushes; shopping and frequently visiting Walt Disney World. Her favorite part of going to Disney was giving Goofy a big hug. She was a dedicated Miami Dolphins fan. She never missed a game. Her family knew Sunday’s were for football. She often spoke about her desire to attend a Miami Dolphins game and in 2023 her son, Steven; made that dream come true. Joann attended her first live football game with her daughter and son by her side at the age of 62. When she wasn’t watching sports, Joann loved to cook. She was an amazing chef and enjoyed preparing meals for her large family.

Joann is also survived by her life partner John and her beloved Chihuahua, Poncho. Joann was tough on the outside but pure and kind underneath her tough exterior. She was welcoming to all and always had enough spaghetti and meatballs for everyone who came. Joann adored her Aunt Ester, whom she is survived by. She also was an amazing aunt to all of her nieces and nephews. She was a cousin, a sister, a friend, a grandmother, an aunt, a wife, a mother and most of all a true definition of strength and resilience. She had an amazing relationship with her brother in law Chris, whom she adored and her daughters in law; Megan and Madonna. Joann had a special place in her heart for her son in law, Travis. She knew he would always be there when she called for him. And she did call on him often. She believed he was one of her protectors. As Joann’s disease began to progress it became clear that she needed more supports to adapt to her ever changing needs. She was blessed to have two bonus sons Anthony and Matt join her family in her final year. Joann may have began to become forgetful but she always remembered when Anthony is coming it means she’s getting ice cream. As her needs became higher her miracles became greater. Once again she was blessed to have two amazing people come into her life. Eve, who affectionately referred to Joann as “mi lady” and Yuni, who affectionately referred to Joann as “mom,” cared for Joann like she was their own mother. Joann enjoyed getting her nails and hair done and going for strolls in the neighborhood with her loving caregivers.

With all of her accomplishments, Joann was most proud of being a grandmother to thirteen adoring grandchildren, Makayla, Jazmine, Savannah, Makenzie, Mya, Tiana, Ava, Justin, Charlotte, Izabella, Alice, Gemma, and Camden. Joann was a devoted grandmother. She especially enjoyed spoiling her grandkids every Christmas and throughout the year. She enjoyed building legos and puzzles with her grandkids. She was the type of grandmother that made every award ceremony and every sports event, for every grandchild, every time. She never missed.

Joann loved her family with all of her being. She was the strongest most brave woman we know. During all of her challenges with her treatment she always said, “I’ll do it if it’s going to give me one more day to be with my grandkids.” She loved her kids and grandkids with all of her soul. She fought a good fight. May she rest peacefully knowing that her family will always cherish her memory and love her forever. Gone but never forgotten. 

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