Joan Brock Frati

Joan B. Frati, age 93, of Wake Forest, NC, formerly of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025.

Born on June 18, 1932, in St. Marys, PA, Joan was the daughter of Harry and Edna (Fritz) Brock.

Joan is survived by her son, Joseph “Jay” McCusker of Wake Forest, NC, and Lisa Nentwig-Sell of Wilmington, DE, who was like a daughter to her. Also surviving are grandchildren Amanda Short of Youngsville, NC, Andrew McCusker of Camden, ME, Angela Monderen of PA, Travis Hoffman of Daytona Beach, FL, Joshua Luckey and Quinn Luckey of North East MD, Chelsea Mercado of Bethlehem, PA, and Kyle McCusker of Wilmington, DE, as well as seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Ann McDermott of Ocean City, MD, John Brock of St. Marys, PA, Stan Brock of Rocklin, CA, Jim Brock of South Park, PA, Terry Brock of Charlottesville, VA, and Jude Brock of Woodland Park, CO. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy Marie Hoffman; her son, Paul McCusker; her daughter-in-law, Debbie McCusker; and her brother, Harry Brock.

Joan graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA, as a Registered Nurse in 1954 and dedicated 27 years of service to Saint Francis Hospital in Wilmington, DE. She later trained at The Center for Pastoral Care as a certified drug and alcohol counselor and served on the board of Open Door and the Delaware Alcohol Council. Joan was also a proud member of the Caesar Rodney Toastmasters Club.

A lifelong learner with a joyful spirit, Joan attended the Academy of Lifelong Learning at the University of Delaware and shared her love of the arts as a docent at the Brandywine Museum of Art.

Always active in her Catholic faith, Joan sang in the choir and taught Catholic religious education (CCD) at the Church of the Holy Child.

Joan will be remembered for her kindness, cheerful nature, serenity, optimism, and grace. She was an extraordinary woman who left a meaningful impression on everyone she met.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franciscan Mission Outreach, PO Box 1086, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1086 www.franciscanmissionoutreach.org

Father Herald J. Brock, CFR, Joan’s godson and nephew, will celebrate her Funeral Mass on Saturday, December 20, 10:00 am, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703.

Burial will follow at Lawn Croft Cemetery, 1000 W Ridge Rd., Linwood, PA 19061.

Arrangements are entrusted to Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587,(919) 556-7400, www.cswfuneralhome.com