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Joni May Obituary
She is survived by her husband Greg, her two sons Nicholas (Shawna) and Mateo, three brothers Jimmy Hillenbrand (Kathy) Dan Hillenbrand (Karen) Tom Hillenbrand, two sisters Kathy Gillespie (James) Tricia Galli (Rick), two grandchildren, Scarlett and Sylas, and 21 nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her parents, James and Sarah Hillenbrand, her brother William Hillenbrand and her nephew Christopher Hillenbrand.
Joni was a vibrant extroverted woman, making friends where ever she went in the world. In the summer months she bicycled miles and miles every week. When she wasn't biking, she played tennis as well as organized leagues in her community. She loved to hike in the beautiful Adirondacks and travel extensively throughout the world.
Attending Liverpool High School, she played soccer and ran for the sheer joy of it. She played soccer as an adult and later coached children in a community soccer league.
In her professional career as a self-employed social worker, she delighted in seeing the progress her clients made in their journey through personal and family strife. She had an intuitive knack for knowing what to say and when to say it. Many of her clients spoked of her as a wonderful woman and a compassionate human being.
We will surely miss her joy and love of life. Her absence will leave a hole in the lives of her family, friends, clients and everyone she has met.
Calling hours are 4-7 pm Friday, June 22 at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St, Baldwinsville. A Memorial Service is 10 am Saturday, June 23 at the funeral home.
Online at Falardeaufh.com
Date of Death: June 17, 2018
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
beth zulauf
December 26, 2018
Two days ago, I learned that Joni had passed away. Joni was my counselor for a significant period of my life. I was in my 20's and navigating motherhood, marriage, and career. I will never forget my sessions with Joni. She gave me hope and confidence during a time of anxiety and depression. She was sent to me from above (no doubt) and I will never forget her laid back and relaxed demeanor -surely just what I needed in a therapist. She was so real and natural - born to be a counselor. I I will always LOVE this lady from the bottom of my heart! She was one of the most special and unique women I had ever known. Although I was a client in Joni's life, she made me feel like a friend. 23 years later, I still talk about Joni and appreciate her for the influence she had on me and my life. I only wish, I could've seen Joni and let her know personally what she meant to me. My husband and I moved to Virginia a little over 10 years ago. I have sent her a Christmas card most years, and I was getting ready to send her a christmas letter and update when her obituary came up on the screen. I wanted to reach out to her in August of 2016 when I was in Syracuse. I So wish I had. Her energy and smile, and love for life and family touched me and so many others. I will look forward to seeing her beautiful and contagious smile again. I am happy that she has been healed and restored.
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Jill Modafferi
June 20, 2018
Joni was a wonderful person! She was a source of strength when I needed it the most. Not only did she provide support and guidance for me, but eventually she become a support for our entire family. I was always comforted by her contagious smile and warm hug. I also truly admired her zest for living. She certainly loved her tennis game, biking and traveling. I will miss her.
Noreen Hart
June 19, 2018
Joni, I will miss you dearly. You are the best person I have gotten to know. I just love how you could lift people up out of a dark whole. You always could put a smile on my face. You will never be forgotten, love ya til we meet again, you are an Angel!!
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93 Downer St., Baldwinsville, NY 13027
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