Joanne B. Buckheit

Joanne Buckheit, a beacon of love, returned to her heavenly home in the arms of the Lord on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the age of 85. She recently spent the Thanksgiving holiday in the celebratory glow of much of her family just days before her soul swiftly embarked in the quiet of night.

A devoted and adoring wife, Joanne shared 40 joyful years of marriage with her loving husband, James J. Buckheit, who passed away in 2003. Together, he and Joanne created a timeless legacy; no doubt she is delighted to be reunited with her sweetheart in glory after twenty years of residing courageously on her own in the company of her dear neighbors at Southwick in Cheshire.

As the matriarch of the family, Joanne leaves behind a beautiful tapestry of six children, ten grandchildren, and countless cherished memories with nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, godchildren, and friends.

Joanne was born in Seneca Falls, New York on November 14, 1938, the daughter of the late Albert and Anna DeJohn (Rizzieri). She grew up in Geneva, NY, where she is survived by her brother Thomas DeJohn and his wife Karen, and her sister Beverly Fordon (the late John Fordon). She and her sister-in-law Linda DeJohn are predeceased by Joanne’s beloved brother, Richard DeJohn. Additionally, Joanne was endeared to the sole survivor of her husband’s seven siblings, sister-in-law, Joan (Buckheit) Maio.

Joanne’s six children– Jim Buckheit, Carol Buckheit (Omayra Rodriguez), Christine Skinner (Michael Skinner), Janet Buckheit Getz, Steven Buckheit (Eileen Carey), and Mary Buckheit wish to express their gratitude for the many who have loved her like their own.

Mom’s grandchildren were her pride and joy – Brandon, Jacob, Logan, Emily, Alyssa, Katie, Cade, Shane, Addisen, and Violet – will each feel her loving presence for all of eternity.

After graduating from St. Francis DeSales High School in 1956, Joanne earned her certificate from Rochester Beauty School and was the sole proprietor of Joanne’s Beauty Salon in Geneva, NY for several years before meeting James in 1961, who was stationed nearby at Seneca Army Depot. She spent her first year of matrimony and motherhood in Queens, NY, followed by 15 years in Merrick, Long Island, and four years in Penfield, NY, before settling in Cheshire where she lived since 1984 in a harbor of love, laughter, and the bustle of her big family.

She was a fervently dedicated parishioner of St. Bridget’s Church in Cheshire, and found a deeply fulfilling home in the faith-filled Catholic community of the MaryHeart Crusaders in Meriden.

In lieu of mourning, let us celebrate Joanne's radiant smile and generous heart that will continue to echo through her generations. While her physical presence is acutely missed, her bright spirit lives on in all who were blessed to share in the delight of her company.

To know Joanne was to be prayed for by Joanne, may we reciprocate that gift to her as she ascends to the angels.

Arrangements – Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire 615 South Main Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day, Monday, December 18, 2023, at 12:00 P.M., at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish / St. Bridget Church. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at church. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, her family encourages donations to the Cheshire Community Food Pantry, so that even in the afterlife, this Italian grandma can continue to make sure no one leaves hungry.

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