Joan Steinbrenner, wife of late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, passes away at 83

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 26: Joan Steinbrenner, widow of George Steinbrenner, smiles prior to the start of the Grapefruit League Spring Training Game between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Joan Steinbrenner, the vice chairperson for the New York Yankees and the wife of the late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, passed away at her home in Tampa, the Yankees said Friday. She was 83.

Joan Steinbrenner passed away Friday morning surrounded by her family. 

She and George Steinbrenner were married on May 12, 1956, a marriage that lasted 54 years until George Steinbrenner passed away in 2010. 

“Joan was a compassionate and caring matriarch whose profound love for her family and those in the community always inspired us,” said the Steinbrenner family. “Her elegance and grace touched everyone around her, and we know her spirit will live on through her legacy of good works. We are grateful to have had her in our lives, and she will be deeply missed.”

Mrs. Steinbrenner is survived by four children, 14 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. 

The Steinbrenner family will be holding a private family service and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Foundation.