Joann Pastore Scelsa, 75, of Lewiston, NY, passed away on March 21, 2021 at Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY.  Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Concetta (Vitarelli) Pastore.

A graduate of Madonna High School, Joann earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English at Niagara University and completed required coursework for a Master of Arts degree in English prior to giving birth to her daughter. While at NU, she was editor of the Niagara Index, the campus newspaper, and was a member of the Glee Club. On June 29, 1968, she married Frank S. Scelsa at Niagara University.

Joann was employed for over 20 years as a correspondent with the Buffalo News Niagara County Bureau covering all county elected offices including the Niagara County Legislature, the Lewiston-Porter Central School District, the Town of Lewiston Council, the Niagara Falls City Council, and the Office of Mayor of Niagara Falls, among others. She retired in 2005.

She was highly regarded and respected for her unbiased reporting especially while covering the Love Canal crisis as well as several Niagara Falls City mayors and the City Council including the administration of the legendary Michael C. O'Laughlin through the mayoralty of Vincenzo V. Anello, and numerous city Council members, most notably Anthony F. Quaranto, a major city politician and avid sports figure.

Prior to her time with the Buffalo News, she also served as Director of Public Relations at Artpark in Lewiston, NY in the 1970s where she would plan press conferences and press tours of the park.

Joann was an avid reader and passionate gardener. Her gardens were featured on several local garden tours, and the many people who would walk by her cherished  home in the village would stop and admire. She was known for her keen eye, creative arrangements, impeccable sense of style, and uncanny ability to make just about anything look great. Joann was a talented seamstress and would make clothes, drapes, and Halloween costumes. She enjoyed entertaining and traveling. She especially enjoyed winters in her adopted home in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. She cherished the time she spent with her grandson. Joann will be fondly remembered for her intelligence, sense of humor, and love of those she held dear.

In addition to her husband of 52 years, Joann is survived by her daughter, Lisa M. Scelsa Scrufari (Bruno 'Brandy'); her grandson, Bruno Antonio Scrufari, three nephews, and several cousins.  She was predeceased by her sister, Patricia (John) Sullivan, of Rochester, NY.

There will be no prior visitation.  A Memorial Mass will be held at a future date to be announced.  If desired, offerings in Joann's memory may be made to Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry, 939 Ontario Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 or to a charity of one's choice.  Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.