Joanne S. Villante – 85 – of 10642A Poags Hole Road, Arkport, NY (Town of Burns) died Monday morning (March 8, 2021) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on December 2, 1935, she was the daughter of Wilfred “Will” & Carmel “Connie” (Everritt) Sheon.

Joanne grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953). She married and resided in Painted Post NY, and was employed by Lodge on the Green where she met several celebrities including Vivian Vance, John Wayne and Van Johnson. She later resided in Corning NY with her children and married the “Love Of Her Life, Robert Decker. They moved to Hopewell NJ and then to Stewartsville NJ.  Joanne was employed at Warren acres as a Juvenile Correction Officer for 10 years, while residing in Stewartsville.  After Bob’s death she moved back to New York State.

Returning to the Arkport-Canaseraga area in 1988, Joanne served as a Nurse’s Aide at Sue’s Rest Home in Hornell for several years.

Without a doubt, Joanne led an interesting and exciting life. In her younger years she enjoyed fencing, skydiving and race car driving. She had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and loved fishing, doing yard work and growing beautiful flowers. Joanne also wrote poetry and had many poems published.

Joanne loved all animals and enjoyed the company of her many pets, including lamas, peacocks, goats, horses and capuchin monkeys, along with many canine companions.

By most standards, Joanne would be considered “feisty” but, everyone that knew Joanne knew she had a heart of gold!  Joanne always gave and never expected anything in return. She will be sadly missed by her family & many friends.

Married three times, Joanne was preceded in death by her 2nd husband and the “Love Of Her Life”, Robert “Bob” Decker who died in 1986; 2 sons, Tommy Hills (died 1971) and John Hills (died 1990); and her brother, Gary Sheon.

Surviving are 3 sons, Dave Hills of Bovill, ID, Joseph Hills of Hackettstown, NJ and Dan (Renee) Hills of Arkport; 1 sister, Donna (Robert) Kelsey of Geneseo, NY; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Joanne’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in Stewartsville, NJ. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a future date.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. 

Joanne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the FSR Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.