Mrs. Joanne M. (Torchia) Cardarelli

Mrs. Joanne M. (Torchia) Cardarelli, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a native Utican, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2015. Joanne was born on April 20, 1945; the daughter of the late Joseph S. and Anna (DeMarco) Torchia. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1962 and furthered her education at Boston University and Utica College, earning her degree in Business Administration. She married Joseph P. Cardarelli on September 10, 1966 and shared 49 years as partners in life. Joanne is remembered for the smile on her face, the echo of her voice and laughter, and her genuine kindness. She was an adored mother, a closely bonded sister, sister to her sisters-in-law and a fun-loving and dependable aunt who cherished all of her extended family. Additionally, for more than 30 years Joanne opened her home as a daycare provider and became a vital part of so many young people’s lives as a surrogate mother, friend, and confidant. Lovingly labeled “The General”, she was the quintessential fundraiser, organizer, and innate leader in so many ways. Joanne was a proud Relay for Life Team Leader and a member of numerous Cancer support groups. As a couple, “Mr and Mrs C” operated the Skater’s Edge at the New Hartford Rec Center and proudly supported all of the youth hockey players. During summers, she enjoyed camping across the eastern seaboard with her family and having any excuse for an adventure. She was also a voracious reader of paperback novels. A devout Catholic, Joanne held a special adoration to St. Anthony, her favorite saint, and faithfully attended novenas in his honor. She was a former parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church in Utica where she and Joe led the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) with much charisma. While residing in Mifflinburg, PA, their hearts belonged to St. Pius X Church where they were instrumental in the parish expansion initiative. In their present home of Myrtle Beach, they were active communicants of St. Michael's Parish in Murrells Inlet. Joanne is survived by her husband, Joe; her sons, Joseph C. Cardarelli of Cortland, NY, and Jeffrey M. Cardarelli of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; and her sister and brother-in-law, Roseann E. and William R. “Richard” Suhr of Clinton. She will also remain in the hearts of her in-laws, Judith “Judy” and Henry Coppola, and Debra and Donald Cardarelli; her nieces and nephews, Virginia Margaret Suhr and Dwayne Clites, Anne Marie and Donald Davidson, Roseanne T. and Steve LaDue; Karen and Donald Wilson, Christine Coppola; Donna Cardarelli, Thomas and Annalisa Cardarelli, and Rosemary and Corey Pierno; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Julia, Owen, Brodie, and Donald; Grace, Elijah; Marianne, and Jessica; and Landon; and her special friends, Pennie and Jeff Carlo, and their children, Meghan, Caitlin, Erin, and Jordan, whom she treated as her own grandchildren. She was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Mary Cardarelli. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joanne’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning, October 17th at 9:00 AM at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski and Deacon Bill Dischiavo. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or Tidelands Hospice House, 2591 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, South Carolina 29440; envelopes will be available at the service.

Mrs. Joanne M. (Torchia) Cardarelli

April 20, 1945 - August 21, 2015