Dear Phil,
I just wanted to say how sorry I am that Joanne has passed.
As you know, I am away at school and was not able to pay
my respects. Joanne was quite a gal and we will all miss her.

Thanks to all of you for your kind words describing my beautiful wife Joanne. She was the best wife and a true gift. She gave all she had, and that was quite a bit. She never complained, even as her condition became unbearable for her to tolerate. Evita and I sit here not understanding why it happened to such a special person; a person that so many depended on. She was a protector. She shielded all of us, including me, from her pain. Many did not understand how sick she really was. But her desire to live, and share her love with others - and animals - was the real medicine that kept her going. The smile was always there. The blue eyes always wide open. She never questioned or complained why all of this was happening to her. Not even an angry emotion. So very brave. She is my love, my inspiration, my warrior, and hero. I know you will never forget her. Joanne was a teacher and now has taught all of us many lessons. Care for others, be kind to everyone, help all, and always smile. That was my Jo.

Joanne - where do I begin - a niece, a sister, a best friend and a "loving assistant" to all my issues. In the best of times, in the worst of times, never a day went by without being in touch.  Our "Happy Hour" chats were daily afternoon events.  In recent months, our routine changed to the morning and as much as we could have used a glass of wine - we refrained and just chatted.  On your worst day, you were still able to complete my thoughts and sentences - you did have your hands full with me!!  But you took your responsibility, as my assistant seriously, or as seriously as we could take it without laughing!
I will continue to pick up the leaves, sweep the water into the storm drain and keep the street clean.  You will have to continue to remind me not "to overdo" because, you understood and we chuckled about it often, "I am delicate".  Joanne you have been, and always will be in my heart and words cannot express what you brought into my life - you will have my love forever.  Lolly

My sincere condolences to your family.
Marbella Lakes residents who knew her will miss her. We were blessed to make her acquaintence.

There are no words to express your loss.
The only thing I can say I was given a gift from God wehn we met.
She will surley be missed.
Phyllis Richard and Tony

To Philip and Family
Joanne will be missed by those of us at Marbella Lakes who happened to share special times with her. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. May Joanne be in the hands of The Lord now and forever.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Cicero family for their sad loss.   Though we only knew Joanne for a short time, we felt blessed to know such a kind, upbeat individual.  She will be sorely missed here at Marbella Lakes, but we'll always have our fond memories.
Mike and Marie Francis

The Joanne I knew: My sister was about as loving and caring person as any one person could be. As children we had a normal sibling relationship. Yet when mom was sick as she often was; it was Joanne who stepped up to the plate. As a teacher she gave 110%. Often coming in early to help a child ot staying late; going to activities in the evenings because a child asked her to come. She helped write resumes because some one asked her too; or critique papers because she could never asking for any reward. She was there 24/7 for advice and comfort. After she retired we enjoyed many trips to schools to do evaluations together. Her to work and me to do a ride along. When we started our daily trips to the aquatic center for exercise; it turned out she again touched more lives with her caring ways and warm heart. People all came to love Joanne because Joanne was real. She was simple. She was happy with the simple pleasures. Kohls not Bloomingdales; the pub restaurant not Peter Lugers. Yet when she gave a gift it was always well thought out and what was right for each person. No generic gift would ever do.
Her love of animals went beyond the imagination. When Truffle's was injured she bought countless pools to do aquatic therapy every day to rehabilitate her. Cancer stricken; she drove other patients to their treatment or volunteered at animal shelters. Joanne never complained; when you asked how are you it was always could be worse or is what it is. Yet she would call and always ask how everyone was doing. She was countless Godmother to many and she never forgot anyone on any occasion. She worshiped all her nieces and nephews and there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for them. While she herself was never blessed with children She was the mother, grandmother aunt and parent to thousand of children over the years. Thw world lost a real hero, I lost a big part of my life but Heaven gained a true Angel and saint. Rest in Peace; be happy as you deserve the best.

Joanne was such a sunny presence in our Marbella Lakes community.  How we will miss our walks with Evita, Murphy and Dolly and our lemon ice chats in the warm evenings - and Joanne's funny stories.  One would find it very hard to meet a more lovely person.  We will always remember you.
Kathy Avalone

Joanne
You always did so much for me and my family. You were such a loving sister and caring person. While we were close as children, we became closer after we both retired. Traveling with you when you did your evaluations was a fun day out. Going to the aquatic center daily for exercise was what made each day a day to look forward too. Just knowing you were there when I had a question or problem meant so much to me and you always knew what to say. You gave 110% to every child you taught, you never neglected any one of your godchildren and you had many. Your door was always open. You even did for the dogs more than you ever did for yourself. Truffles had many more good years because you gave her therapy every day at home. If they were to name a new saint it would be you. If I could say to you one more thing it would be " thank you"
The world lost one of it shining stars. Go with God!

Dear Phil and Family,  Words cannot begin to describe how sadden and devasted we all are.  Joanne was one of the most beautiful people I have ever had the priviledge of working with and more importantly, being a cherished friend.  She could always bring a smile to your face and put the sunshine in your day. The world will be a little duller without her but the memory of her will always be in my heart.  I"m sure she was an Angel put on this earth to inspire us all.  I will keep you, her family and her beloved Evita in my thoughts and prayers always.  Lynn Lewandowski and family

Dear Phil, 
Words  cannot express how we felt about Joanne ... Our family is devastated ... She was such a selfless, friendly person... Her smile was genuine and her kindness sincere ... We will miss her... We will remember her always in our prayers ... The Ferrante Family

Dear Phil and Family:  It is with great sadness that Maria and I learned of Joanne's passing.  She was a kind, caring woman who will be fondly remembered by all.  Please accept our deepest condolences.

My condolences to the Cicero family.  May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your love one.

Dear Phil:

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.  Joanne was a selfless caring person who will be sorely missed. 
We will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time.
Love, Donna, Bernie, Lori and Michael Colasuonno

Dear Philip, Joanne was a wonderful friend and neighbor. I will miss our long walks and talks more than words can say. She was one special Lady!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and Evita.

Dear Philip, You already know I loved Joanne.  She was a gift.  I will miss her so much.  We had such great times together and I will have happy memories of those days.
Love, Aunt Yolanda

Dear Philip, Lorraine and the entire family:
Joanne was a beautiful person who will never be forgotten.
Love, Donna & John Leccese

OBITUARY

Joanne M. Cicero

January 1, 1951 – August 19, 2014

James Funeral Home

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