Joanne Izzo, devoted wife, loving and selfless mother, proud grandmother and caring sister, passed away at the age of 69 from lung cancer after courageously fighting the disease for nearly four years.
Joanne was born on September 1, 1950 in Brooklyn, New York, to John George and Julia Schlenk. She was a sister to Julia “Judy” Bucaria, Mary Serino and John Schlenk. A proud New Yorker, Joanne and Ernie moved to Florida in 1982.
Joanne loved to cook and bake, and was known for her gingerbread cookies. She was incredibly creative and generous, always putting others before herself. She loved watching birds from her kitchen window and eagerly awaited the annual arrival of the Painted Bunting. Her laugh was infectious, and she was always looking for a way to make life easier for loved ones and strangers, alike. She made every single day brighter.
Her family was the light of her life and her whole world, and she led them by example.
Joanne is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Ernie Izzo; her daughters, Donna Izzo, Amanda Reed and her husband, Robert, and Jennifer Glester and her husband, Sean; her grandchildren, Sarah and Sam Reed; her sisters, Judy Bucaria and Mary Serino; and cousins, Margaret Barnett and Kathy Mador, as well as her nieces and nephews, and numerous loved ones. And, of course, her miniature schnauzers Maggie and Daisy, who brought her so much happiness. She is predeceased by and will join her mother, father and brother in heaven.
She asked for so little but gave so much.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in her honor to AdventHealth Hospice, Altamonte Springs, 480 West Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.
https://donation.adventhealth.com/central-florida/Foundation-Central-Florida/moduleId/405/fundId/25/controller/Donation/action/Donate
Joanne’s service will take place on Friday, June 12 at 1 p.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Community and will be followed by an inurnment at Queen of Angel’s Cemetery at San Pedro Center – 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park, FL 32792 at 2:30 p.m. There will be a reception at the Izzo family home from 3:30-5:00. All are welcome.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Joanne Izzo hosted by Banfield Funeral Home.