JoAnn Cannizzaro, 77, of Oxford passed away peacefully at home on Sunday May 16, 2021. Born in Brooklyn on January 6, 1944 she was the daughter of John and Stella (Rogozinski) Walaskiewicz. JoAnn was the beloved wife of 52 years to Joseph Cannizzaro, devoted mother of two sons Jeffrey and Justin Cannizzaro and loving Aunt to Jonathan Bufort.

JoAnn began her career working for a law firm on Wall Street, where she met her husband, Joe. She left the law firm to become a full – time mother. Once her kids were grown she spent many rewarding years working as a Paraprofessional assisting teachers of special needs children.

JoAnn's love of travel took her to many places near and far.  Nothing gave her greater joy than traveling the world with her friends and family.  Mahjong and Bridge were her favorite card games to play and she was the family's perennial Trivial Pursuit champion.  You could always count on hearing Doo-Wop music being played at her home.  She was a diehard baseball fan who loved her New York Yankees to a fault and cheered them on as only she could every season.

JoAnn's love of family was second to none, always finding incredibly thoughtful ways to enhance the celebration of life's milestones and holidays.  She had a remarkable way of turning every event into something extra-special for those she loved.  Not to mention that she was the life of every party.  Throughout her life, JoAnn was deeply involved in her son's lives while growing up and living in Milford, CT.  Becoming a grandmother was only second best to becoming a mom and being able to love and spoil her grandchildren was one of her greatest joys and privileges throughout her life.

Besides her husband Joseph sons, Jeffrey and Justin Cannizzaro and nephew Jonathan Bufort,  she was the proud grandmother of Tristan, Carina and Greyson Cannizzaro and Vivian Bufort, who had the benefit of JoAnn's love for many years prior to her passing.  In addition to her immediate family, she was loved by her sister Michele Smircich and leaves behind too many friends and family members to count, all of whom had the benefit of being touched by JoAnn's spirit in so many ways.

Calling hours for JoAnn will be Thursday May 20, 2021 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main St. N., Southbury. A Funeral Mass will be Friday May 21, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St. S., Southbury. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to The ALS Association, CT. Chapter, 4 Oxford Rd. Suite E4, Milford, CT. 06460

To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

ALS United Connecticut
4 Oxford Rd, Milford CT 06460
Email: info@alsunitedct.org
Web: https://alsunitedct.org/donate/