Joanne Michael

Joanne Michael was a beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt, and friend. She was a kind and generous woman who dedicated her life to giving to many charities.

Joanne was born in Endicott, NY to Rose Conti Michael and James Michael (aka Vincenti Micheli), who immigrated from Italy when he was a child. She grew up with her three brothers, Louis, James, and Anthony, in a loving, Italian home on Hill Avenue across the street from St. Anthony's church. Their home and lives were filled with the joyful company of her aunts, uncles, and cousins. She attended Union Endicott High School and after graduation, she worked for IBM as a secretary until her retirement.

Joanne was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua parish. She volunteered for many years at the Food Pantry and in the Parish office. When she was around 12 years old, she was a CYO cheerleader for St. Anthony’s teams. She was well known for contributing to the St. Anthony’s Feast Days. An annual labor of love, for 30 years, Joanne reigned as the Slushie Queen, making her popular, secret recipe of Sangria Slushies for the Feast Days.

Spending her life in Endicott, Joanne was blessed to have many friends and family in the area. She was the godmother to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and relatives. Joanne made a concerted effort to show her love and care for all those dear to her heart, as many can attest. She particularly enjoyed baking Christmas cookies for everyone, especially her mother’s famous lemon cookies.

Joanne is survived by her brother, Louis (Joan) and their children, Gerald (Stella), David (Melanie) and Suzanne (Scott) Hollenbeck and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her brother James and his sons, Jerry (Katie) and Rob (Hijschen) and his grandchildren; and her brother Anthony (Arline) and his children, Greg (Kristine) and Erin.

She will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a champion of the underdog and her kind, loving nature touched the lives of so many people. Joanne passed peacefully in her sleep and is among the angels in Heaven now.

A Funeral Mass for Joanne will be held on Wednesday, November 11th at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, aka Prince of Peace at St. Anthony’s, 300 Odell Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY.

In lieu of flowers, we would invite you to make a contribution to the Mercy House of the Southern Tier (https://mercyhousesoutherntier.com/donate.html) or the St. Anthony’s Food Pantry at 906 Jenkins St., Endicott, NY 13760.