Joanne G. (DePerno) McBee

Mrs. Joanne G.(DePerno) McBee, affectionately known to family and friends as “Nonnie”, age 72, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on October 4, 1937, Joanne was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mafalda (Procopia) DePerno. Raised and educated locally, she attended Whitesboro High School and later graduated from the Utica School of Commerce. Joanne was employed as a payroll clerk at the Utica City School District for 21 years, retiring in 1997. At work and at home, she always had a smile upon her face when greeting co-workers or loved ones. Joanne always looked at the bright side of life and offered everyone encouragement and an optimistic perspective. A spirited woman, she was the life of the party and a peacemaker to all that sought her advice. She was blessed with a generous and loyal nature, and will be remembered as a person who “exemplified goodness”. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and offered her extraordinary strength during her illness. Joanne enjoyed creating handmade crafts, especially ceramics, which she used to decorate her home during the Christmas holidays. She loved a good game of cards or dominoes, and her home was a gathering place for coffee and conversation for both family and friends. She was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Joanne is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Howard Baye of Utica; her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert “Bobby” and Claudia McBee of NC, Sammy McBee of Utica, Skie McBee, and Michael and Heather McBee, all of FL; her grandchildren, Tiffany, Brian, Jason, Erik, Alyssa, Sammy, Lisa, Amy, Skie, Jr., and Michael; and her 9 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her aunt, Mary Buttita, her uncle and his wife, Johnny and Mitzi DePerno; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Glenda DePerno of FL. Joanne also leaves many dear and cherished friends, too numerous to mention, who were a special part of her life. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” DePerno, and Ida and Fred DeGiglio; and her brother, Joseph DePerno, Jr. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, the CCU, and the 3rd floor personnel for all the care and attention shown to Joanne and her family. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Joanne’s honor to the Strong Memorial Hospital Liver Transplant Unit; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Joanne’s funeral service will commence on Saturday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Joanne G. (DePerno) McBee

October 4, 1937 - February 3, 2010