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JoAnne Niehay Obituary
JoAnne was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Joseph Lewis Adams and Angelina Maria Viscardi. She lived her early life in Boston and Annapolis, Maryland before the family moved to her father's home in Decatur.
She attended Decatur Public Schools and was a graduate of Eisenhower High School (Class of '64) and received a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University.
She married Dennis Alldridge of Decatur and together they had sons Travis and Joshua and daughter Alyson.
In 1983 she married John Niehay and they lived for 42 years in rural Oakley Township. JoAnne taught at various Decatur Public Schools, primarily at Garfield and Michael Baum schools where she retired in 2012.
JoAnne was a loving soul and presence for her three children, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, sister, nieces and nephew.
She was a marathon runner and ran in the Boston Marathon multiple times, as well as various Midwest marathons and races.
JoAnne is survived by her husband John Niehay, her sister Mary Harding of Harristown, Joanne's son Travis Alldridge of Decatur, daughter Alyson Baietto and husband Tyrone of Forsyth, son Joshua Alldridge of Decatur, grandchildren Ava Alldridge of Decatur, Jonah Alldridge of Decatur, Katie Yelovich and husband Mark of Mt. Zion, Maggie Baietto of Forsyth and Cora Alldridge of Decatur, great grandchildren Harper JoAnne, Matthew Tyrone, and Roman Michael Yelovich of Mt. Zion, nieces Traci Griffin and her children Grace and Patrick of Kirkwood, Missouri, Staci Dick, husband Roger of Harristown, Staci's children Marissa, husband Caleb, and baby Haven of Decatur, Michael of Clinton and Maddison, of Harristown, and nephew Todd Harding of Mt. Zion. Cousins Karen and Michael DeNapoli of Norwood, Massachusetts, and Harla Friez of Palmyra, Missouri. Brothers-in-law Ed Niehay of Boise, Idaho, Michael Niehay of Sheridan, Wyoming, and special sister-in-law Laura Niehay of Sheridan, Wyoming.
JoAnne deeply loved her family, her pets, her many students and running, walking and talking with her friends.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Homes www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Memories and Condolences
for JoAnne Niehay
Sponsored by Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home.
5 Entries
Stephanie Grimes Eisenmenger
February 7, 2026
Joanne was such a lovely woman with the brightest smile. She was truly a unique soul. Travis, Alyson, Joshua, I was blessed to have known your mother.
Patricia Sobek
January 19, 2026
My love and prayers for all of JoAnne’s family and friends. Joanne was a blessing to soooooooo many people both young and old I loved teaching, laughing and just being with her.
Irene Smoot
January 15, 2026
So sorry. JoAnne was a very special person. Prayers for you all.
Tim Slade
January 13, 2026
Always a pleasure to talk to.
Made my day brighter every time I saw her.
She will always be a bright light in my memories.
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Timothy Hamilton
January 13, 2026
A vivacious,energetic sweetheart woman who once attempted to match make me another quality darling , whom I failed to grasp & appreciate! To The Family , Joanne was & is An Angel.
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Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home2091 North Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526
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Decatur, IL
Decatur Herald & Review
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