Joanne Jackowski Camillus, New York Obituary

Joanne Jackowski

Joanne Jackowski, daughter of Walter and Julia (Kianka) Jackowski and sister of Dr. Mary Jackowski, died unexpectedly on March 20, 2020 at Van Duyn Rehabilitation Center. Joanne was a nationally recognized certified interpreter of American Sign Language (ASL), with more than 40 years of experience in all facets of sign language, teaching and performance. She first recognized her passion for sign language and education of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing, when she took classes in Syracuse at Aurora of CNY, from Marjorie Clere and Angelo Coppola, her first teachers. She graduated from SUNY Cortland with a degree in speech pathology and audiology. Joanne continued her education in American Sign Language at Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf, which lead to her receiving her Comprehensive Skills Certificate (CSC) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Joanne received a MA degree in American Sign Language Interpretation/Special Communication Education from Gallaudet University, located in Washington, D.C., the first Liberal Arts College for the Deaf. Joanne became an instructor in ASL at Aurora of CNY and Onondaga Community College (OCC). Additional certification training allowed her to interpret in sensitive medical and legal venues. These local activities were followed by her establishment of special educational services for the Deaf in Chicago, Honolulu and Bloomsburg, PA. As a faculty member of Bloomsburg University, Joanne expanded her teaching responsibilities to include the formation of a theatre for the Deaf known as IMAGE, with actors including hearing students using sign language, costumes, and set designs to present plays to Deaf and hearing audiences simultaneously. Joanne was most fond of her work with Syracuse Stage Theatre productions. She broadened her interpreting skills in the classrooms of BOCES, Syracuse University and OCC in disciplines as diverse as poetry, engineering, visual arts and political science. She interpreted for internationally recognized speakers at the Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. For three years, Joanne developed American Sign Language curricula at the University of Hawaii. With her outstanding organizational skills, she was responsible for coordinating and presenting many workshops and tutorials throughout the country. As a teacher, Joanne was a demanding taskmaster. She was willing to work with students of all levels of proficiency, if they demonstrated a commitment to learning a truly unique form of communication, with plans to become interpreters and teachers themselves. Understanding the importance of political organization, Joanne was instrumental in establishing the local CNYRID Chapter and served on its Board of Directors for many years. She was also the National RID Region I managing representative, coordinating the activities of 14 states in the Northeast. Simply put, Joanne’s goal for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community was to promote and advocate for their equal access to mainstream society. Her legacy included an abiding passion for a fully inclusive society, welcoming all, despite disability. Joanne was a true people person. Her infectious laugh, bright smile and expressive eyes could light up a room. She was truly ahead of her time. Those of us who were fortunate to know her, will be forever grateful for her presence in our lives. Donations may be made to the Food Bank of Central New York, 7066 Interstate Island Rd., Syracuse, NY 13209. A special celebration of Joanne’s life is planned for a later date in 2020.
September 27, 1952 - March 20, 202009/27/195203/20/2020
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Lia Nester
February 14, 2022
It is hard to see this, it is such a loss for the world. Joanne was my teacher at Bloomsburg University, but she also became my friend. As a mentor she took so much time with just me personally and I know she was helping others. She invited me to interpret with her for m... Continue Reading
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Robert Steingraber
September 20, 2021
I'd swear I posted this well over a year ago! I first met Joanne in mid 70s after my first course with Marj Clere and Marj sent me to assist Angelo in his classes since there were no "higher" courses in those days. We all went to RID conventional in Tampa an sneak... Continue Reading
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Pat Lee Beebe
November 3, 2020
I am so very sorry for your loss of Joanne. I went to school with her in Cortland. What a lovely tribute you wrote about her. I knew she would go on to do wonderful, wonderful things. She was such a happy, kind, bubbly friend. Tonight A friend of mine posted pictures on ... Continue Reading
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Mary Bochino
May 25, 2020
A candle was posted for Joanne Jackowski.
A candle was posted for Joanne Jackowski.
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Linda Berardi
April 9, 2020
Dear Mary, I am so sad to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Berardi (Your patient from Eye Consultants).
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Linda Berardi
April 9, 2020
A candle was posted for Joanne Jackowski.
A candle was posted for Joanne Jackowski.
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Nancy Carr
April 5, 2020
Joanne, thank you for your service to Onondaga Community college staff, faculty and students. Your ethics and professionalism inspired all of us. Nancy Carr
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Nancy Carr
April 5, 2020
A candle was posted for Joanne Jackowski.
A candle was posted for Joanne Jackowski.
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Marty Andras
April 4, 2020
My sympathy and prayers for the family of Joanne. She was one of my first sign language teachers at Bloomsburg University and was such an influence in my life. I will never forget her. May she rest in peace. Marty Andras
Suzi Glowaski
April 3, 2020
Joanne was my first professor in the Interpreter Training Program at Bloomsburg University and a role model. She was one of the reasons I’ve become the interpreter that I am today. I am forever grateful to her for her advice and guidance in the field.