Joanne E. Mason ,74, of Fairport, New York passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 11, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Joanne was born on August 28, 1949, to John and Norine Mason in Glens Falls, NY, and grew up in Bennington, VT. She returned to Rochester in 1981 and began working at the Rochester Institute of Technology until her retirement in 2014.
In 1985, Joanne met her Husband John Siy, at Rochester Institute of Technology and they later married in March of 1992.
Joanne was predeceased by her parents, John and Norine Mason. She is survived by her husband John and her daughters, Melissa (Dean) Brindisi, Jennifer (Tracy) Byrd, grandchildren Courtney Brindisi, Nicole Brindisi, Tyler Byrd and Jaden Byrd. Her brother John Mason, Wilton, CT and her sisters, Barbara Razza, Westwood, MA, Deborah Cook, Key Biscayne, FL, and Andrea Mason, Brighton, NY.
Joanne was a beautiful person inside and out. She cared so deeply for the people around her. She was so kind and passionate. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends, and many supporters carried her through her journey. She was a strong fighter, but now she has gained her wings and is pain free. She made an impact on many lives and will be forever missed.
Joanne enjoyed gardening and walking with Zoey her Yellow lab, She and Zoey would walk the village of Fairport and local parks 5 times a week. She also enjoyed her annual summer trips to Maine, to visit friends. She loved her 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson fiercely.
We would also like to thank and acknowledge her many friends for their support and prayers during the difficult times.
On behalf of her family and friends, they would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to all the wonderful people at The Wilmot Cancer Institute.
Calling Hours Friday February 16, 2024 4-7PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (EGYPT LOCATION) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Service Saturday February 17, 2024 10AM at Fairport United Methodist Church 31 West Church Street Fairport.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: the Arbor Day Foundation to help reforestation efforts. https://www.arborday.org/, The Wilmot Cancer Institute, to support cancer research, UR Medicine Home Care Foundation, to help provide quality end-of-life care.
Comments
18 responses to “Mason, Joanne E.”
We are so sad to learn of Joanne’s passing. There are so many fond memories of Jon and Joanne. The competitors at Walnut Hill were happy to see Joanne and Jon and looked forward to all the photographs Jon shared. We will always be grateful for her friendship.
What a lovely lady. I worked with Joanne for roughly 7 years when she was in the Special Events office at RIT and I was in the Student Activities department. I always found Joanne to be a “Steady Eddie”–always kind, warm, patient and sweet. I’ve been gone from RIT for a lot of years now, but will always think of Joanne kindly. May she rest in peace.
We will greatly miss Joanne in the Spring when we would help her with her flower beds. She loved all the colors of the flowers. Mostly her smile and soft little giggle will be what I remember. Her heart was warm and giving. We only knew her for a short time but feel blessed that we were able to spend some time with her. Rest in peace Joanne you will be missed.
For at least 30 years Joanne and Susan Rimore came to Maine each summer to visit us and to enjoy the area.
Jo was like another sister to us and we will miss the great conversations, laughter and always the steaks she brought for the grill !
Sharon and Sue
Because of the Byrd family, I had the honor to meet “Grammy”. She had a heart of pure gold. She spoke so gracefully and elegantly. We bonded so quickly over our hospitality background- she made me feel like I was apart of the family! “Grammy” and Jennifer are just alike- both have pure hearts and so incredibly kind. I thank Jesus everyday that I get to be apart of this family and got to meet such an incredible woman.
I was lucky enough to meet jon and Joanne through the Sweeney clan and will be blessed with fond memories. God bless🙏
So many wonderful memories of stopping in to Joanne’s office in between classes at RIT for a chat, ( and she always stopped whatever her work demanded to take the time) , as well as all the Iuppa/Sweeney
gatherings and celebrations.
Joanne was a fun- loving, kind, knowledgeable person who made you feel special and loved.
As my Uncle Bill would refer to her- “Jo Jo”, you will be missed!!❤️
I was so saddened to hear of Joanne’s passing.
I don’t think I ever remember her without a cheerful smile during my time working with her in catering our events at RIT. She always went above and beyond her responsibilities to ensure that our events were perfect. She wasn’t just a professional business colleague, but personable, warm, “funny”and friendly in all of her relationships.
My sincere sympathy to all of her family. I will remember all of you in prayer as you grieve the loss of your wife and mother…
May Joanne rest in peace in the arms of our loving God.
Iam so so sad to read of the passing of sweet Joanne… we met at RIT and continued our friendship after we retired….She was such a lovely lovely person who loved life!!!
Rest in peace❤️🙏
I spent many years at RIT dealing with Special Events where I met Joanne. Then at Ed’s funeral service John and Joanne, Cookie, Gary and myself, decided we would get together in the future. Of course it was Joanne who made it happen for the next many years for delicious dim sum meals. She made sure to schedule and to open it up to other retirees. We had such wonderful times. Kelly, Sue H, Jim and Sue B, Father Butch and Patty, were occasionally there all because Joanne arranged it so dutifully. I cherished her friendship, her warm smile, our conversations. So glad I got to share a meal with her last May. RIP dear Joanne.
Heaven just got a little brighter. These past several months have been so hard, yet so inspiring. Watching you trying to protect the rest of us from what you were going through. Every day it was “I’m doing better today” or “Don’t worry, I’m okay” or “Miracles do happen”. And only after she asked how we were. She always put everyone else first. And despite everything, she never lost her sense of humor and always kept me laughing. Joanne was a loyal and trustworthy friend. I met her when we were both grieving our friend Kathy, and we always believed that she brought us together knowing we would need each other (we did).
My sweet friend – I promised you that I would keep seeing the beauty in life, and never stop laughing. I will keep that promise. And yes miracles do happen; God gave us you, and for that I will be forever grateful. Give Kathy a big hug for me. I love you and will miss you every day until we meet again.
John, Missy, Nicole and Jenny – There are no adequate words. Thank you for taking such good care of her. She loved you with all her heart. She was truly blessed to have you all.
I’m so sorry to see this. My deepest condolences to Joanne’s family and friends for your sad loss. She fought courageously and earned her angel’s wings. Sending prayers for peace and strength and may memories of better days help you all through this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Joanne.
Joanne was one of the first people I met as a “basement dweller” when I started at RIT. I knew I could count on her advice and guidance when I planned activities for students in those first days. I fondly remember her smile and laugh through the years. To her family, there are no words that can ease your grief, but know you are in our thoughts and prayers!
John and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. As so many others have said, Joanne was a special lady. I have many fond memories of her at RIT, may she rest in peace.
Sue and I were saddened to hear of Joanne’s passing. I had the pleasure to have worked with Joanne as the RIT department’s of Special Events and Dining Services both transitioned in their services to the RIT communities over the past years. I can tell you that Joanne was the glue that held Catering Sales together throughout several organizational changes.
Joanne was very knowledgeable of her customers and their specific needs and they knew and respected her ability to make their events special. We have had many great employees join Joanne over the years in Catering Sales, but few were able to fill Joanne’s shoes after her retirement.
Sue and I are happy to have spent many Saturday’s enjoying Dim Sum with Joanne, John and a very distinguished group of retired RIT employees.
Joanne will be missed by many, but never forgotten. Jim and Sue Bingham
So sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. She was such a sweet person and I enjoyed working with her at RIT. Another angel has got her wings. Prayers of comfort and peace to the family.
Girlfriend I miss you. You were my friend for over 55 years. We raised our children together as cousins. Our yearly trips to Maine, walks in the park, family get togethers, girl outings and lunches are all well documented and will pop up in my photos as wonderful memories of your beautiful life. I’ve never met such a positive person and your words of wisdom will be missed. You fought till the end and shared your struggles while always saying..” I’m doing better each day” – I’ll see you in our next life.
Heartbroken to hear about Joanne. She was my best friend for one year in high school & my maid of honor at my wedding. We took separate paths & lost track of each other. We were very young. She was a beautiful kind, caring, loving and fantastic person to know. I have thought about finding her my entire life. Life gets away from you. Wish with all my heart we had stayed in touch. Love you Joanne & you are forever in my heart & memories