Joanne Villanueva

This is the story of Joanne Villanueva. Joanne’s story began in New York City on June 20, 1954. Where she learned all her slick and sassy ways while enjoying the city life which made her who she always was…that “New York City Girl”. During her middle and high school years, she studied at a private school in Boston, Massachusetts.  Joanne was married shortly after and moved to Miami, Florida for 11 years prior to moving back up north to New Jersey. In between those years, she gave birth to two daughters who she adored. Joanne had a passion for corporate law and was employed by top corporate law firms as a Legal Executive in both New York and New Jersey for over 25 years.

Joanne loved spending time and catching up with her family and friends (all those near and far). Her love, admiration, and dedication to her grandchildren was and will always be One of a Kind! The kids called her “Lela” and she loved it! “Jo”, as a lot of people would call her was “The life of the party!” Joanne loved music, dancing and without a doubt was a foodie!! She had a passion for cooking and a knack with combining ingredients and creating savory flavors with anything she had in the kitchen. Her favorite song was, “Native New Yorker” and as the song goes…You grew up ridin' the subways, running with people.Up in Harlem, down on Broadway.” Which is probably what she is doing right at this moment while watching over her loving family.  

Joanne is predeceased by her Father, Efrain Villanueva, Mother, Luz Maria Loyola and Brother, Efrain Villanueva Jr.  Surviving is her amazing Step Father, Manuel Loyola,  Daughters, Annette Suarez-Benitez and Jeannette Golembieski, Grandchildren, Julian Benitez, Dominic and Gianna Golembieski, Son-In-Laws, Aunts, Uncles Half Brothers and Sister, Niece, Nephews, and many Cousins. Joanne will be dearly missed. 

A funeral mass will be held at St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia on Thursday April 25, 2019 at 9:30 AM. 

Burial will follow at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, Colonia. 

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