Search by Name

Search by Name

Joanne Margaret Nigro

Joanne Nigro Obituary

Nigro, Joanne Margaret (Nee Vehring) Beloved wife of Nicholas John Nigro. Mother to Michael (Joann) Nigro, Lora Nigro (Kevin Rutkowski), Regina (John) Heroux, Amy (Robert) Geiser, Nick (Angela) Nigro, and Danny (Kris) Nigro, was peacefully escorted home by her savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, February 6, 2009. Joanne is survived by 11 adoring grandchildren Jena and Jacob Heroux, Ben and Becky Nigro, Jarod and Dana Geiser, Hayden and Brady Nigro, Vinny, Carly, and Mitchell Nigro. Her family circle also included her close-knit siblings: Tom (Kathy) Vehring, Mary Sue (David) Tarkowski, Kathy Doe, and Jon (Kristin) Vehring. Born March 9, 1937, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Joanne lived in many parts of the Midwest as a child, and spent her teenage years in Virginia, Minnesota. Here she graduated from Virginia High School and Junior College after studying journalism. Shortly after graduation, Joanne married Nick, her true love and life partner of 51 years. In 1965, Nick and Joanne moved to Milwaukee, WI, where Joanne quickly became involved in both the Marquette University and St. Bernadette Catholic Church communities. At St. Bernadette's, Joanne was a long-standing choir member, event planner, and part of the church environmental committee. Joanne's passion for music extended to singing at many weddings, as well as the spontaneous family sing-along. God blessed Joanne with a true artistic talent that was evident in her garden, elaborate scrapbooks, poetry, photography, and paintings. Each item Joanne touched demonstrated her caring nature and attention to detail. Other hobbies included bridge, the Marquette Women's Association, and visiting with dear family, friends, and members of her church community. Family and friends will remember her best when seeing butterflies (we'll be sure to brake for them too, Mom), when taking (just one more) picture, and hearing Ave Maria take flight in perfect pitch. In a life so richly lived, despite innumerable health challenges, it is impossible to capture every blessing Joanne both received and gave. Joanne saw the good in every person and situation, and those who had the great fortune of knowing her will certainly feel Joanne's loving embrace forever. At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Bernadette's Catholic Church. Visitation will be Friday, February 13, 2009, from 4-7 PM, with a 7 PM prayer service, at Zwaska Funeral Home, 4900 West Bradley Road, Milwaukee, WI. Saturday visitation from 10-11 AM, St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, 8200 Denver Road, Milwaukee, WI. Mass of the Christian Burial held from 11-12 PM. ZWASKA FUNERAL HOME Serving 5 Generations 4900 W. Bradley Rd. 414-354-5330 www.zwaskafuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Feb. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joanne Nigro

Sponsored by The Nigro Family.

Not sure what to say?





Steve and Mary Kraemer

March 8, 2009

Nick,
We just learned of Joanne's passing, and we cannot express the deep sorrow we feel for you and the entire extended Nigro family. Joanne was an angel on earth and such an important part of all of us in the Kraemer clan. Our prayers are with you.
Love,

John Keliher

February 28, 2009

To All The Nigro Family
We were away for the month of February and upon returning home we were saddened to hear of your loss.
It was so nice to see you at the St. B.'s Anniversary and certainly didn't expect it would be the last time that we would see Joan. She was as we always remembered her, smiling, laughing, and enjoying everyone and everything.
We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Mary Keliher

Jack Linehan

February 19, 2009

Nick,
Julie and I were saddened to learn of Joanne's passing. We very much wish to offer our deepest condolences for your loss.
Jack

Denise & Richard Scherer

February 17, 2009

Nick,

We at Pilgrim Glen all share in your sorrow after the loss of someone so special. May God specially bless you & your entire family and bring all true comfort and His never-ending peace.

Holly Modory

February 14, 2009

Dan and Kris:

I am so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. If you need anything, let me know. God Bless.

V. Laurie Agee

February 14, 2009

Dear Friend Nick and Family,
My sincere sympathy and prayers for all of you. I am so sorry for your loss of you darling Joanne. Peace and God bless all of you.
Sincerly,
Agee Family

Barb Chapman

February 13, 2009

Gee Gee and Family, my sympathy and prayers go out to you. Your mom was really great - such an inspiration. She provided so many people with so many wonderful memories. I will always remember how lovely St. B's church looked at our wedding, despite the orange carpeting. Also, I also think of your mom at Christmas when I hear "Mary's Boy Child". I loved to hear her sing that at midnight mass every year.

Mary Ellen Schmidt

February 13, 2009

Joanne will be sorely missed. I enjoyed singing for events and at nursing homes with her. We made a great trio, she and Mary Doyle and I. I will always think of her when I hear "Silver Bells", especially. And when I place each one of the many handmade ornaments she gave to each of the choir members every Xmas on my tree. My heart goes out to all of you in the family. She will leave a big hole in your lives!

Mary Sue Tarkowski

February 13, 2009

Joanne was my "Dear" and "beloved" sister. She is the "STAR" THAT IS SHINNING "BRIGHT" in the sky.. So, if you look up and see that shinning star, you know it is OUR JOANNE.. She will be looking down upon us and guiding us to whatever our needs.. Remember, she also has my MOM and DAD and Nick's Mom and Dad. How great is that.. And we all know she is sitting right next to "OUR GOD".. She was very special and there will never be another "JOANNE”. She has touched MANY lives and made many people smile.. Thank God, she is out of the pain that crippled her body and through it all she always had a smile on her face and never complained. We have many, many memories that will carry us for our life time.. She will be greatly missed by everyone that touched her life and especially her family who loved her very much. Thank you for the memories. God Bless You, and we will miss you.. Love Tom, Kathi, Mary Sue and Jon

Pat & Mike Phayer

February 13, 2009

Dear Nick (Sr.) and Family,
I can't even begin to tell you how my heart aches at hearing of Joanne's passing. I was baby-sitting my granddaughter when Mike called and broke the news to me. Joanne was the most beautiful person I have ever known and as was written in the notice, she saw only the good in people. She also endured so much physical pain on this earth because of her back yet she seemed to bear it with grace and dignity. I know that God has a special place for her in heaven. The love she had for you Nick and the kids no words can express.
There is no doubt that she will be missed.
Mike and I can't be there today, but please know that our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Linda Owen Krajcik

February 12, 2009

Dear Nigro family,
I am so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. She was a big part of my teen years when I was hanging out at the Nigro house with Amy. One of my fond memories was of her working on the scenery for the St. B's musicals. She seemed to love it as much as we loved having her. Her house was always filled with music. She was always singing or humming a song. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. She was the heart and soul of your family. I can only imagine how difficult this is for all of you.

Jim and Donna Williams

February 12, 2009

Dear Nigro family;
I was so sorry to hear of the death of Joanne. Have many fond memories of singing with her in high school and Jr. college. She always had a big smile and a "cheery" hello when she would see you.

Karen Wagner-Mendelsohn

February 12, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Ellen Kutz

February 12, 2009

Dear Nigro Family,

Although you are sad for your loss, just think of what heaven has gained! Your wife/mom will be organizing and making all things beautiful in no time. Jesus took an angel home and He made the promise that you will see her again.

During the sad times of here on earth and now, remember that you are being held in His loving arms, He is giving you peace and comfort. And the music you are hearing, is Mom singing her heart out, letting you know she is where she should be.

Rely on each other, rely on your friends, and always rely on God.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs and Tugs

Mary Jane Keller (Schimdt)

February 12, 2009

Dear Nigro family;
I am so sorry for your loss. You are right; Ave Marie has always brought your mom to mind. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers

Dorothy Brengosz

February 12, 2009

Joanne will forever be a part of my memories of St. B's.Her faithful involvement in Choir--great voice, perpetual president and social director--and her beatiful work on the environment committee. It was a pleasure working with her all these years. She touched many lives.

Nancy Owen

February 12, 2009

So sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. We have so many beautiful memories of her from the Boehlke neighborhood and St. Bernadette's! At the recet Anniversary of the church, as always, she was warm, welcoming and smiling.

Our deepest sympathies,
Nancy and Greg Owen

Tom & Eleanor LePage

February 12, 2009

Nick and Family,
Eleanor and I are having a Mass said at St. Mary's here in Wimberley for Your wife and the Mother of your Family.
May God give you his stredngth and Love in this time of sorrow.

Kyle and Kim Jacob

February 12, 2009

We had the pleasure of knowing Joanne from spending time at the Geiser's various family birthdays and events. She was always very interested in everything that was going on and just loved her grandchildren! We will remember her with fond memories and know that she is resting peacefully. Our deepest sympathy to the Nigro (Geiser) families.

Colleen Fossum Kurth

February 11, 2009

I am sorry for your loss. Mrs Nigro touched my life and my families life in such a wonderful manner. Just going over to the Nigro house and hearing her sing was amazing. She carried that over to St Bernadette's for all of us to enjoy her beautiful voice and warm heart. My thoughts and prayers will go out to Amy and the entire family.

Margaret Ann Dunn

February 11, 2009

Joanne will be missed by all who knew and loved her. I'm sure she will be busy hanging one more star in the heavens or adding a final bow to something. You all are in my prayers.

Mary Kelly

February 11, 2009

Amy,

I will remember you and your family in my prayers. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

BARBARA ANN JUST

February 11, 2009

I DON'T THINK SHE KNEW HOW MANY PEOPLE SHE TOUCHED IN BEAUTIFUL WAYS! SHE SHARED HUMBLY THE GIFTS GOD BLESSED HER WITH!

Mary Kay Brengosz

February 11, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you celebrate Joanne's life. Her musical talents were a special gift to us at our wedding, and to many others over the years. I will never hear "Here Comes Santa Claus" without thinking of her. We live in a better world because of Joanne.

Andy Frano

February 11, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. Loss of a wonderful Mother is so hard. Great memories are a help.

Stacy (Chaconas) DeKeyser

February 11, 2009

What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful mom. She set a lovely example of how to enjoy life and spread happiness and love, and I'm blessed to have known her.

Sheryl Walker

February 11, 2009

Amy,

You have my blessings and abundance of prayers. I will pray for your and family for the support and strength that you will need.

Sheryl Walker
Bloom - Chicago

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

Make a Donation
in Joanne Nigro's name

Memorial Events
for Joanne Nigro

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Joanne's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Joanne Nigro's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more