Obituary of Joanne V. Johnston

Joanne V. Johnston, 88, passed away peacefully, with her loving family by her side on August 21, 2015. She was born June 12, 1927 in New Britain, CT to Luigi & Emilia (Montesi) Biagiotti. Joanne married her husband of 58 years, William Johnston on Dec. 26, 1950; he predeceased her on March 1, 2009. Joanne enlisted in the Cadet Nurse Corp in 1945 and received her RN through New Britain General Hospital in 1948. Joanne was a Registered Nurse for the Rockland County Infirmary in Pomona, NY and A&T Healthcare. Joanne and Bill moved from NYC to Garnerville, NY in 1956 where they lived together for the remainder of their lives. They were founding members of St Gregory Barbarigo Church in Garnerville and were active in the community. Joanne was a member of the Volunteer Corps of Helen Hayes Hospital working in the Gift Shop for over 25 years and a past member of the Executive Board. Joanne was the recording secretary for American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 1682, New City, NY. Joanne was a member of the Columbiettes, Catholic Daughters Of America, Italian American club, and the Haverstraw, West Haverstraw and North Rockland Senior's. She loved to travel, cook, shop, read, talk and text with her Iphone 6. She especially loved her trips to all the casinos, but most of all she loved spending time with her family, many grandchildren, extended family and friends. She was a caring woman who was loved by all who knew her. She touched the hearts of many. Joanne is predeceased by her 2 brothers & 3 sisters. She is survived by her sister Albina Urso of Berlin CT, her loving children; Joyce Johnston-See and her husband Tucker of Buchanan, NY, Camille Johnston and her husband Pat Ripa of Rock Hill, NY, Joanne McGinley and her husband Jack of El Cajon, CA, Larry Johnston and his fiancé Helen Grandstaff of Rock Hill, NY, Bill Johnston and his wife Pam Crail of San Antonio ,TX. Joanne adored her grandchildren Caitlin, Kaitlin, Patrick, Amanda, Haley, Katherine, Daniel, Will, Brendan, Julia, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends. She will be greatly missed. The family will receive friends & relatives at the TJ McGowan Sons Funeral Home 71 N. Central Highway, Garnerville, NY on Tuesday August 25th from 4 - 8 PM. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Joanne on Weds Aug. 26th at 10 AM in St. Gregory Barbarigo Church, Garnerville, NY with private cremation to follow, and her remains to be buried with her husband in the F.W. Loescher Veterans Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate in her name to Helen Hayes Hospital Gift Shop, Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY 10993.