Joanne "Jojo" Gillette

Joanne “Jojo” Gillette of Cheshire and Port Saint Lucie, FL entered into rest on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at St. Mary’s VITAS in Waterbury.  She was the devoted wife of John Gillette for over 29 years.  Joanne was born on August 13, 1956 in Waterbury, daughter of the late Joseph and Laura (Franzese) Guerrera.

Joanne grew up in Oakville and has been a Cheshire resident for 30 years.  She was a caseworker for the State of CT Social services for over 34 years, retiring in September 2011.  Joanne was a scrapbooker, attended tag sales and baked for family and get-togethers.  Joanne was an avid reader and enjoyed trips to the casino and wintering in Florida. 

In addition to her husband, John of Cheshire, she is survived by her brothers, John Guerrera and his wife, Laurene of Hobe Sound, FL; and Robert Guerrera and his wife, Janice of Wolcott.  Joanne is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Margaret Chadwick of Carolina, PR; and Katie Underwood and her husband, Jeff of Prospect; her niece, Brittany Mordarski and her husband, Mark of Glastonbury; her great-nephews, Maverick and Myles; her close friends, who offered so much love and support during her illness, Margaret Withington and Candace Salvietti; and her dog, Chloe.  Joanne was predeceased by her niece, Jennifer DiStefano.

Joanne’s family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and healthcare workers that treated her with dignity and compassion during her treatment.

Friends may greet her family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral of Cheshire, 615 So. Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410 on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 4PM until 6PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10AM at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish/St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire.  Friends are invited to meet directly at church.  Burial will follow at St. Bridget Cemetery, Higgins Rd., Cheshire.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org ; Wolcott Dog Pound, 775 Bound Line Rd., Wolcott, CT 06716; or to an animal rescue of one’s choice.  To leave online condolences for Joanne’s family, please visit www.fordfh.com