Joanne Zemaitis

OAKVILLE - With heavy hearts, the family of Joanne Zemaitis, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the community, share the news of her peaceful passing on January 30, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Joanne was predeceased by her husband, Alfred A. Zemaitis, who passed away in 1983.

Joanne was born on December 28, 1941, in Waterbury, Joanne’s life was a testament to her love and passion for learning, her support of family and friends, the community, and her love of music. Joanne was born and raised in Waterbury, CT, a daughter of the late Florence (Cable) Naylor and husband, Edward Naylor. Her career started at Anderson Grammar School where she worked as an assistant to the principal while attending Wilby High School in Waterbury, CT. Her career included work as a legal assistant for Feely Elliott Nichols law firm in Waterbury CT, an office assistant at Timex Corporation in Middlebury CT, and bookkeeper for Hartley Tool and Die company in Thomaston, CT. Her passion for ethics, integrity, and helping others understand how to do ‘the right things’ were non-negotiable character traits. She devoted her life to nurturing her family with love and care. She had a passion for learning and a sharp mind that made her a literal encyclopedia of knowledge on any trivia/Jeopardy topic. She was a beacon of warmth and support, always putting her family, or friends’ needs above her own. Her home was filled with laughter, love, and the sweet melodies of her favorite music. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Joanne's faith, passion, and resolve were the cornerstone of her life. She served her church with steadfast devotion, participating in numerous church activities and touching the lives of many through her kindness and generosity. Her unwavering faith and commitment to her family and community were built into her DNA. Music was Joanne's sanctuary and a source of endless joy. Whether she was singing in the church choir, singing along to the radio, or simply enjoying a beautiful melody, music brought her solace and happiness. Her love for music was a gift from her mother that she shared with her family. Joanne's legacy of love, faith, and music will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered for the light she brought into our lives. 

She leaves behind three sons Michael Zemaitis and his wife Joelle, Al Zemaitis and his wife Patty, and Jeff Zemaitis and his wife Paula. She leaves behind six grandchildren, Mikaela Zemaitis, Matthew Zemaitis, Cyrena Zemaitis, Joshua Zemaitis, Hayley Zemaitis, and Cecily Zemaitis, that she adored and supported at every turn. Joanne was predeceased by her dear brother, Ken Naylor, and his wife Shirley. Joanne leaves behind her loving sister, Darlene Beecher, and her husband John. Joanne leaves behind several nieces and nephews that she cherished and loved.

The Zemaitis family is thankful for the staff at Cook Willow and the compassionate care and love they shared of Joanne and her family throughout her stay.

A celebration of Joanne's life will be held on Friday February 7, 2025 when relatives and friends may pay their respects and visit with the family from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at the Casey Oneill Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 8th at 10:00AM at Saint Mary Magdalen Church, 14 Buckingham St Oakville CT. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. To honor Joanne’s memory and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s charity (of choice) or the Saint Mary Magdalen Parish reflecting Joanne’s spirit of giving back. Rest in peace, Joanne. Your love, kindness, and beautiful music will echo in our hearts forever. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. To send flowers or a gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store.