JOAN TUTAN's Obituary
Joan Elizabeth Tutan, 94, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Joan was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Donald Florence and Eleanor Hess Florence. She grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois before her family relocated to a historic farm, Limestone, in Charlottesville, Virginia when she was in high school. Joan graduated from the University of Virginia in 1954. While attending UVA, she helped charter the first women’s fraternity in the State of Virigina, Zeta Tau Alpha.
After graduation, she set her sights on sunny South Florida where she met her husband, George “Victor” Tutan. Joan and Victor lived in Coral Gables for over sixty years and were active members of the community. Joan began her career as a teacher before becoming a successful real estate agent with Coldwell Banker during Miami’s transformative 1980s and 1990s. Joan especially cherished hosting friends and family at their home in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.
Known for her elegance, grace, and impeccable sense of style, Joan had a passion for interior design, antiques, and was admired for her warmth and sophistication. She loved to travel, always seeking out the seat with the best view, preferably with a dog on her lap. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was an avid Miami Heat fan. Gifted with a remarkable memory, she delighted her family with vivid stories from decades past, which she recalled with clarity until the final year of her life.
Joan is survived by her children, Lynn Tutan, Jeff Tutan (Cindy), and Jill Cataldo (Luis); her grandchildren, Courtney Mohammadi (Jeff), Whitney Engelke, Alex Hetu (Ryan), Samantha Brundage (Ben), and Jake Tutan; her great-grandchildren, Eleanor Mohammadi, Nina Hetu, Ava Brundage, and Sacha Hetu; nieces Cathy Tutan Eller and Mary D'Agnese, nephew, Bruce Florence Jr.; and sister-in-law, Anna Florence. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, her brother Richard Florence, and many dear lifelong friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her wonderful caretakers, LaTanya Ballock and Bernice Young whose kindness and care brightened her final years.
A private burial will be held in Miami, where Joan will be laid to rest beside her husband.
Joan faced Parkinson’s disease with courage for thirteen years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in her honor.
Private Services
What’s your fondest memory of JOAN?
What’s a lesson you learned from JOAN?
Share a story where JOAN's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with JOAN you’ll never forget.
How did JOAN make you smile?
