Ms. Joan M. "Joni" DeFuria

July 31, 1957 - November 17, 2020

UTICA - Ms. Joan M. “Joni” (Scalise) DeFuria, age 63, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare with those she loved most in her heart. Born in Utica on July 31, 1957, Joni was the daughter of the late Benjamin F. Sr. and Mary (Cirasunda) Scalise. She was a graduate of Whitesboro Central High School. At one time, she was married to Anthony S. DeFuria and to that relationship came the blessing of two children. For many years, Joni worked as a Pricing Manager for the Food Lion Grocery Store in Jacksonville and Ft. Myers when she resided in Florida. She was also employed as a Manager at the Piercing Pagoda Jewelry Store in Syracuse at the Carousel Mall. She worked tirelessly to earn her degree in theology from The Way Biblical Research College, Indiana Campus where her unwavering faith, trust, and dedicated belief in God and His risen Son, Christ Jesus guided her life and love for her family and all of those she touched. Family time was so important to Joni, and when in her home, she often sang songs from her grand repertoire of diverse genres of music. She created Christmas ornaments from empty egg shells and adorned them with intricate details, and the children treasured these mementos. She was adept in the arts of crocheting, knitting, and crafts. Baking was her passion and the Pasticciotti Italian pastry (pustie) was her specialty. At one time she even had her own booth at the Syracuse Regional Market. When she cooked, it was enough for all, and no one left hungry. In the past, Joni conducted a Bible Fellowship at her home where she loved to teach others about God. Joni raised her children as a single mom, and she did an excellent job of it. She provided for them, made sure their needs were met and that the Lord was known to them. She gave them a great foundation and virtues to live by, based on her wisdom, tenacity, and love for them. When she became a grandmother, her grandchildren were everything to her. She was doting and affectionate and they called her “Sammie” and they were the icing on the cake! It is not often today for siblings to remain close for many reasons, but Joni had a bond with her brothers and sisters that was like no other; she loved each of them and held them close to her heart. Joni worked hard and got things accomplished in her life, …Amen. Joni is survived by her children, Sara N. (Justin) McBride, and Anthony DeFuria; and Jill (Dominic) Lemons who she loved as her own; her grandchildren, Jaida, Vincent, and Cora McBride; Jackson DeFuria; and Dominic, and Riyan Lemons; sisters, Mary Peters, Lucretia Scalise, and Susan Scalise (Douglas Leaf); and brothers, Salvatore “Sam” Scalise, Benjamin F. Scalise, Jr. (Karen), and the late David Scalise. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, David Peters (Megan), Justin (Emie) Peters; Michael (Alaina) Scalise, and Elena Scalise; Bethany (Ron) Rickard, and Annie (Adam) Kane; great-nieces, and great-nephews. She also leaves her cousins who always had a special place in her heart, Edith, Danette, Alina, Bonnie, and Patrick; in-laws, Cathy (Guy) Seminaro; and her best friend, Camille Recanati Loge who always remained in Joni’s heart. The family extends their appreciation to Joni’s sister, Lucretia, who was always by Joni’s side to comfort her, and went above and beyond to bring her peace and solace. Visitation will be held Saturday afternoon from 4:00 - 5:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Due to current restrictions, we will be operating at a reduced occupancy. We ask for your patience as we try to accommodate those coming to support the DeFuria family. Joni’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday evening at 5:30 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation. Face masks are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Joni’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support. She had many scriptures but favored Ephesians 6:10, King James Version: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YalgKfrOdsI