JoAnn I. Passanese, 93, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026 at Niagara Hospice House. Born in Niagara Falls, she was the beloved daughter of the late Edward and Marion (Peggs) Truxes, and the cherished wife of 30 years to the late Sebastian J. Passanese II.

JoAnn attended Sacred Heart School and was a graduate of Loretto Academy in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Following her graduation, she began her career at Kimberly-Clark and during the 1950s, co-owned a limousine and car service company. Prior to dedicating herself to raising her family, she also owned the former gift shop located in the Holiday Inn in Niagara Falls.

JoAnn was actively involved in St. Teresa’s School while her children, Sebastian and Mary Elizabeth, attended from Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. She generously assisted with the school’s lunch program and served as a room mother for several years. During this time, she also helped her parents in managing the Plaza Court Motel.

Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she held a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother. Throughout the years, she belonged to several Catholic parishes throughout Niagara Falls, though she was most active at the former St. Teresa’s Parish and St. George's Catholic Church.

JoAnn played an integral role at St. George's and worked tirelessly to help sustain the parish. She was also a dedicated member of the Prayer Group, church choir and assisted in cleaning the church.

Outside of her faith and family, JoAnn was a longtime member of the Niagara Falls Garden Club and found great joy in tending to her own beautiful gardens. She had a lifelong passion for music and the performing arts. JoAnn especially loved theater and was proud to be part of South Pacific, one of the earliest productions staged by the Niagara Falls Little Theatre. Her voice was iconic and would have loved to continue with singing and performing, but she put raising her family first. JoAnn was also an avid animal lover, especially devoted to dogs.

Above all else, JoAnn's greatest blessings were her family and her faith. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, taking immense pride in their lives and accomplishments.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Niagara Hospice House for the exceptional care, love, and comfort they provided to JoAnn during her time there.

JoAnn is survived by her children, Sebastian J. Passanese III, Mary Elizabeth Passanese; her step-children, A. Matthew Passanese and Daniel Passanese; her grandchildren, Emily Passanese, Allison (Steve) Penale, Sebastian Passanese IV, Thomas Argy III, Alyssa Sumers, Caitlin (Dan) Becker, Vanessa House, Lauren (Benjamin) Campbell and Joseph Passanese; several loving great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Sebastian, and her parents, Edward and Marion, JoAnn was predeceased by her ex-husband, Thomas Argy Sr. and their children, Thomas M. (Sarah) Argy Jr. and Karen L. Fodor; and her two sisters, Mary Elizabeth (Donald) Burns and Nancy L. Truxes.

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 24 from 10 - 11 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, where JoAnn’s Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held privately in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice House. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.