JoAnne Anyos

Anyos, JoAnne
ALBANY - Peacefully and with her children at her bedside, JoAnne Marie Anyos, of Albany, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 65. A lifelong resident of the Albany area, JoAnne was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.
Never one to sit still, JoAnne leapt at the opportunity to travel, be it with friends or family. She explored quaint towns in Conn., with her mother and sister, splashed around on the beaches of N.J. with friends, cruised the Caribbean with her son and daughter, stood face to face with the majesty of Niagara Falls, and points in between. She would often visit her son wherever he was living; Charlotte, Tampa, New York City, or Chicago (which she was particularly fond of) and would often be accompanied by her daughter and, in recent years, her granddaughter. The family as a whole took a trip to Walt Disney World for her granddaughter's fourth birthday, which was as magical as you might imagine.
When home, it took little convincing for JoAnne to join you for a day out, whether it was shopping for a great bargain or enjoying a leisurely lunch. Living in close proximity to one another, she always looked forward spending time with her daughter and granddaughter. She loved trying new restaurants and, though "particular" might be an understatement, she enthusiastically discovered new food and drinks. Her most recent obsessions were a simple gin martini with a twist (cheers to that) and persimmons… whatever those are.
JoAnne was a fervent NBA fan, though her team loyalties usually had much more to do with players' personalities (and looks) than geography, and she would attend games in person whenever her travels allowed. She also had an affinity for the little league World Series and would watch with enthusiasm as the kids played with great skill. Being the big softie that she was, her tears would always flow at the conclusion-for both the winners and the losers.
Joanne loved music, especially jazz; her radio was frequently tuned to Bill McCann's Sunday show on 90.9FM WCDB. Moreover, Joanne loved LIVE music and would seek out and enjoy shows at The Egg, Troy Music Hall, Jazz on Jay in Schenectady, and Alive at Five on the Albany riverfront. She also tried to attend the Lake George Jazz Festival and the Jazz Festival at SPAC whenever she could. But a highlight of hers will always be an evening at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, which turned her on to new artists she continued to follow. (And though she loved jazz, she'd definitely be eager to bust a move to a jam from back in the day or a recent hit that managed to land on her radar.)
JoAnne was generous to a fault, and her concern for the needs and wellbeing of others often interfered with her own. If she could share something with you, she did. If she knew you needed, she tried to provide. If she could treat you to something to make your day a little better, you'd get it. As a daughter, she tended to her mother in her later years. As a mom, she never stopped fussing over her two very, VERY adult children. As a grandmother, "doting" barely scratches the surface; there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her granddaughter. And as a friend, she always had your back. She channeled that generous spirit by volunteering at Albany Medical Center for several years.
JoAnne suffered from end-stage renal disease for more than half her life, undergoing two separate (temporarily successful) kidney transplants. Upon their failure, she endured hemodialysis three days per week, for hours at a time, for decades, tolerating the painful process and its many side effects, trying her best not to let it affect her spirit. She spread that optimism around at the Fresenius Kidney Care Center in Latham, and was often referred to as "the mayor" by both the staff and other patients. She took her care-and its various lifestyle restrictions-very seriously and encouraged others to do the same.
Though fraught with trials and tribulations, JoAnne appreciated and cherished and ENJOYED the life she was given to live. She found joy in the simple pleasures; always pausing to enjoy the birds singing, the smell of flowers in the air, and the warmth of the sun on her face. Ever the social butterfly, she'd invariably run into people she knew almost everywhere she went, and was always greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. She always treated people with kindness and courtesy and compassion.
JoAnne is survived by her son, Damon; daughter, Rickeya (Miller); granddaughter, Jo'nelle (Warley), whom she absolutely adored with all her heart; and her sister, Jacqueline. JoAnne was predeceased by her beloved mother, Lorraine; sister, Jill (Atkins); brother, Stephen; and father, Gabor. She will certainly be missed by her extended family and friends, especially her community at Ashfield Senior Apartments in Latham.
JoAnne's children would like to thank those who have reached out in support while she was ill, her friends at Ashfield for making sure she was always okay, and the staff-especially the nurses-in Albany Med's ICU.
Friends and family are invited to join us for a celebration of JoAnne's life on Sunday, March 23, from 2-6 p.m., at the North Albany American Legion Post 1610, 35 N. 1st St., Albany, N.Y. 12204.