Joyce Ann Zanio

FORT MILL, SC / FRANKFORT, NY - Joyce Ann Zanio, age 63, passed away on Friday, December 7, 2018 with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on December 12, 1954, Joyce was the daughter of Kenneth P. Zanio and the late Celeste J. (Marks) Giudice. She was raised and educated in Deerfield and was a graduate of Whitesboro Senior High School/Class of 1973. She also attended CCBI, MVCC, and SUNY Morrisville. At one time she was married to the late Robert Sweet, Jr. and to that relationship came the blessing of her first daughter, Jaime. She entered into a second marriage with William Kennett, a union that graced her with her second daughter, Korie Joy. Joyce relocated to the Oneida-Verona area where she worked at Stearns & Wheler in Cazenovia for 10 years in the Accounting Department. In 1993 she accepted a position with the Oneida Indian Nation and Turning Stone Casino Resort holding various positions important to the early stages of the business. Her last and most enjoyable position with Turning Stone was that of Golf Coordinator, where she coordinated membership, course traffic and tournament bookings for five golf courses. Joyce especially enjoyed meeting and assisting the professional athletes and celebrities that would visit the resort’s golf club. In 2005 she relocated to Fort Mill, South Carolina with McGrann Paper Corporation. In 2007 Joyce joined the Shaw Group, a company which underwent a change of ownership, now known as Westinghouse Electric Company, her most recent position being Accountant. Joyce was a perfectionist in everything that she did. She was selfless, and it was her nature to please others. Her relationships were sincere and we know she took them with her. She achieved many successes on her own, because whatever she set her mind to, she accomplished. She was motivated and incredibly reliable in following through with her plans. As a mom, she taught her girls to be independent, and as a result, she was proud to have two strong, self-sufficient daughters. Joyce loved music and dancing. She acquired an impressive vinyl collection over the years. Always a “wild flower” she frequently attended concerts, and music moved her to dance at any gathering. She also loved the outdoors and gardening. She transplanted wildflowers into her gardens, collected stones, wood and any other jewels of nature free for the taking, which adorned her home and gardens. She was energized by the earth, and when she walked in the woods, she felt rejuvenated. It was a small measure of peace that restored her balance and rendered a sense of solace. During winter she enjoyed snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and her summers were filled with camping and hiking. Back at home, Joyce was a great cook, especially known for her sauce, and she also perfected multiple recipes that became family favorites. She was unique, stylish, playful, and blessed with a warm smile, and striking eyes that could speak to your soul. She loved her girls and she will forever be in their hearts. Her siblings adored her; she was their big sister, protector and best friend. They shared an inseparable bond. Since her sons-in-law were like sons, they loved her just as she loved them, and their mutual love and admiration kept them closely connected. When we reflect on Joyce’s life we think of her deep love of family, her intelligence, compassion, humor, great laugh, and fearlessness in speaking her mind. She was practical, sensitive, sociable, and hospitable. She did not understand jealously, and she was truly happy for the accomplishments of others. Joyce believed in her Catholic creed and appreciated positive energy. She was a member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church when residing in South Carolina. She gave of herself when she sang as a member of their choir. Joyce is survived by her father, Ken and her step-mother Ellen; step-father, Frank Giudice; her daughters and their loves, Jaime Sweet Migliaccio and her husband Anthony, and Korie Joy Kennett and fiancé Scott Gaumer; her grandchildren, Cory Michael Miller, and Jaxton Gaumer; sister and brother-in-law, Deborah J. and John Sullivan; and brother, Kenneth P. Zanio. She also leaves her nephews and nieces, Christopher and Jessica Bussonnias, and Morgan and Michael Hogue; great-nephew, Christopher II; and great-niece, Aurora; cousins; and the friends who blessed her life, especially Leslie Blaney, and Marianne Kennedy. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Bashar Omarbasha, Dr. Scott Brehaut, Dr. Manzurul Sikder, Dr. Joanne Joseph, Debra Iselo, FNP for their compassionate care, guidance, and concern. A special thank you to Fr. Richard Dellos for his anointing and blessing. A Memorial Gathering will be held Tuesday, December 18th from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Joyce's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning, December 19th at 10:30 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church where her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Richard Dellos. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Joyce’s memory may make a contribution to the Abraham House online at http://www.theabrahamhouse.org; in honor of the good works they provide to the community; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Joyce Ann Zanio

December 12, 1954 - December 7, 2018