JoAnn Irene Walentynowicz
Elderly? Nope! JoAnn was sassy, fun, generous, and genuine. Her passing from a heart attack, while shocking, is just as she would have wanted, on her terms. JoAnn Irene Walentynowicz, 80, of James-town passed away Sunday morning (Sept. 6, 2020) in UPMC Chautauqua.
She came into this world during a blizzard on Bentley Hill, Feb. 20, 1940. Born to Elwyn and Irene Vollentine Wellman.
JoAnn was the daughter of the late Harry W. and Lydia Vollentine Caswell and was raised in Ellington. She attended Falconer High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
She traveled extensively during her years as an Army wife. She was able to experience life in many different countries and across the United States. After her husband retired, she made her home in Jamestown to be close to her mother, Lydia.
Prior to retirement, JoAnn was employed by WCA Hospital in the dialysis unit. After retirement, JoAnn cared for children in her home, including her grandchildren. They all loved “Granny.” When her youngest granddaughter began school, Granny fol-lowed her to C.C. Ring and worked occasionally through Jamestown Public Schools as a paraprofessional continuing with her love for children and her genuine wish to help children feel nurtured and learn to be their best.
In earlier years, JoAnn attended and was a member of Camp Street United Methodist Church. She loved her family, grandchildren and friends. She also enjoyed sharing her love of books, ice cream, and giraffes.
Surviving are her daughter, Cheryl L. (Michael) Russo; a son, Robert J. (Carole) Walentynowicz; six grandchildren: David Walentynowicz (Nathan Bayless), Megan Walentynowicz (Tatenda Mbabvu), Kristin Irene Russo, Andrew Rus-so, Courtney Russo, Madison Russo; and a sister, Ole-ta “Lea” Lindahl.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Walentynowicz Sr. in 1993; a son David A. Walentynowicz in 2010; four brothers: Donald, Paul and Marvin Wellman and Harold Caswell.
The funeral will be at noon Saturday in the Falconer Funeral Home. Pastor Jennifer Delahoy will officiate. Burial will be in Sun-set Hill Cemetery.
Friends will be received by the family from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be donated to the Russo Laundry Fund. Just kid-ding! Please make donations to the Child Advocacy Program (CAP).
Visit our website at www.falconerfuneral home.net to send a message of condolence.