Mrs. Joan H. "Joanie" (Bowes) Dillon

MARCY- Mrs. Joan H. “Joanie” (Bowes) Dillon, age 88, went home to be with the Lord and was reunited with her beloved husband and family members who awaited her on Sunday, December 18, 2022, in the company of her loving family. Joan was born in Utica on May 18, 1934 to the late Paul and Helen (Matt) Bowes. Joan was a graduate of Utica Free Academy and she furthered her education by receiving her RN at SUNY Morrisville. Always thirsty for knowledge, she then attended SUNY Tech for her Bachelor’s Degree. On May 27, 1952, she married John L. “Jack” Dillon, Sr. Theirs was a true love story. They each enriched the other’s life and made strengthening their family band their priority. Later in life, she cared for him through his illness, always thinking of him before herself. Though they always described their meeting as love at first sight, they truly deepened their bond over the 63 years they were married, prior to his passing on January 27, 2016. Due to Jack’s military career, the family traveled extensively, giving them opportunities to see many different places. At one time, Joan held a nursing position at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. She also showed her selflessness by serving her community and coordinated the WIC program of Oneida County, the position from which she retired. Joan’s family meant the world to her. One of the ways she showed her love was by creating a beautiful home. All those who came to her house felt this too, as she was a fantastic hostess and a gourmet cook. She also took great pleasure in her garden, and loved tending to her flowers. She had a soft spot for all creatures, especially the birds who made her backyard their home. Even they could feel her warmth as a hostess. But above all, she was a wonderful mother, with a caring and generous heart. She blessed her family with many unique opportunities and warm, wonderful memories. Joan is survived by her children and their loves, Cynthia “Cyndi” Papa, Dr. John L., Jr. and Elizabeth Dillon, and Lisa and John Gattuso. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Angelo “A.J.” Papa, III and his father Angelo Papa, Jr.; John P. and Lisa Dillon; Scott and Rita Iyer-Dillon; Erin, Matthew, Megan, and Chris Dillon; and Nick and Claire Gattuso, Johnny and Lisa Gattuso, and Steven Gattuso; and her great-grandchildren, Aria Rose Papa, Nathan Gattuso, and Leela Iyer-Dillon. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Doyle and her late husband Germaine Doyle; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan and Anthony DiRizzo. She was preceded by her in-laws, William and Eleanor (Lux) Dillon. The family wishes to specially thank Dr. Amy Gorczynski and Dr. Elif Erim for their professional care and compassion. Gratitude is also extended to the Masonic Care Community of NY for their heartfelt dedication and loving care for Joan and her family. Visitation for will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Joan’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at https://act.alz.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia St., Utica. Joan will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery beside her husband John.

Mrs. Joan H. "Joanie" (Bowes) Dillon

May 18, 1934 - December 18, 2022