Joanne, a native of New York, was born July 28, 1950 to Vito "Billy Buttons" and Marie Florio (nee Calabrese). She enjoyed growing up in Queens with her large extended Italian family. She enjoyed traveling, collecting Cherished Teddies, exploring the internet, was an avid poker player and loved playing backgammon, which is how she met Emory.
Joanne and Emory were married on June 21, 2003 at the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. During their life together they visited their respective families on both coasts. She prepared all her Italian meals, celebrated holidays new to Emory and taught Emory many New York idioms.
Joanne was preceded in death by both her parents.
She is survived by Emory, her loving husband of 21 years; two sisters, Denise (Steve), Doreen (Debby); her nephew Matthew (Nichole); and countless cousins. She will be missed by all who knew or encountered her.
Contributions may be made to honor Joanne's memory to the Alzheimer's Association.
