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Guestbook Entries:
April - 2009
From: Angela - Jacksonville Fl
To All Western Steppers -
We've lost something very dear. My heart cries with you all.
I cannot be there with you in person, but know I am with you all in
spirit and in mutual love and admiration for JoAnne.
Feel Free to post your comments in the
guest book or email me -
west@westernsteppers.com and I will put them up
on this page.
Angela (Webmaster)
Most Recent First
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 9th 2011
From Jean Cella
Happy 2nd Birthday in Heaven Joanne. You are still missed by all who
love you. No one forgets your infectious smile. I see you as though you
are standing in front of me. Jokingly, we looked into our "book of
life", but we never saw this tragedy coming.
Your Loving Sister,
Jean
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 23rd 2010
From: Jean Cella
Dear Joanne,
As we approach your 2nd year in Heaven, we remember the last Christmas
you spent with us on December 25th, 2008.
I remember your words at the end of the day. You said, "This was my best
Christmas ever"....never knowing it would be your last.
Tony and I will never forget your good-hearted ways and your thirst for
living life to the fullest. Your family and friends continue to mourn.
THIS POEM IS FOR YOU:
You will be remembered when the flowers bloom in Spring.
In the Summertime remembered and the fun that Summer brings.
You will be remembered when Fall brings leaves of gold.
In the Wintertime remembered and the stories that are told.
And you will be remembered each day right from the start, for the
memories we once shared forever live within my heart.
.......Sister Jean
We all miss you so much. Merry 2nd Christmas in Heaven.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
November 13th 2010
From: Jean Cella
Sister Joanne, Your second Thanksgiving away from us,Your chair sits
empty at the table.We are sure you are with Mom,Dad,Bobby and Aunt
Viola.That brings us some comfort.Your nieces and
nephews,Anthony,Kristen,Nicollette,Brandon and Samantha reflect on the
good times they shared with you.Although your Godson Frankie is so
young,he knows you through your photo's.Joey and Brianna look forward to
Christmas at the Yacht Club,as they did when you were there.Your family
and friends continue to mourn you.We all miss your smile and good
natured attitude. Happy Thanksgiving in Heaven. I miss you. Loving
sister Jeannie.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
October 23,2010
From: Jean Cella
My sister Joanne.I miss you so much.Your friends at the Yacht Club will
carry on your traditional Halloween Party;as we all know how special it
was to you;You left your mark for every season of the year.You will be
remembered for all the happiness you gave.You were THE GREAT ONE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 14th 2009
From JoAnne's Neice (Dawn Gallo)
Location:Close at Heart
What's your favorite Line Dance?:"Sleighbells Ring"
(dedicated to Joanne)
by Dawn
"Sleighbells Ring, Are you Listening"
"In the Lane, Snow is Glistening"
We want you to know, we're missing you so
Christmastime is here.
Dear Joanne,
For all the Christmas's past and those yet
to come,
We want you to know how very much your
spirit lives on.
We will always cherish the time
we spent with you, the laughter
and the love you left behind.
On this Christmas, you are dearly
loved and deeply missed.
Merry "1st" Christmas in Heaven.
"Sleighbells Ring, Are you Listening"...
Missing You!
Love Forever,
Dawn, Frank, Nicolette and Frankie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
July 28th 2009 5:13pm
Janice Kodetsky
So many times I have tried to add an entry so that I may express some
thoughts. Each time I've tried I read all the previous entries and a
tidal wave of grief overcomes me. This time I promised I would finish
tears and all.
My name is Janice Kodetsky. I am the very proud niece of Joanne Kodetsky.
I have had the privilege of knowing Joanne almost 46 years to the day...
I was born on April 20th. I have always felt a strong connection to her
and the date of her passing assures me yet again of such a connection.
At this sad time it is this sense of connectedness and responsibility
that I want and need to insure everyone knows how truly wonderful Joanne
was, not only to her friends but also her family.
Over the years my Aunt has shared every single milestone with me.
Starting with my birth, christening, first everything's, communion,
confirmation, graduations, (which after losing my own mother became even
more valued and appreciated). I will never forget Grandma and Joanne's
faces when I graduated from Bklyn College. There they sat baking in 90
degree plus heat supporting me and just simply giving time and
themselves (something even then Joanne understood was vitally
important). As an adult the experience of my first child, Joseph and
eventually second Brianna.....wow again Joanne helped my father who as a
single parent and in his words "a dinosaur" not only accept but actually
embrace them.
Joanne continued to celebrate all of my children's milestones with the
same zest and enthusiasm as if they were her own. Again all giving
selflessly like no other person I have ever met. She worked around all
of her own trials and tribulations of life including her own vigorous
scheduling. Naturally, and I say Naturally because that so signifies
Joanne, Joanne did exactly the same for not only me but ALL her nieces
and nephews including Dawn Cella who became Dawn and Frank Gallo and
their children, Nicolette and Frank Jr. , Robert and Tricia Cella, their
children Anthony, Kristen, Brandon and Samantha. John Jay and Thomas
Kodetsky. There are also others who now live out of state but for who
Joanne was also right there sharing life, they are, Ronny, Rose Kodetsky
their children Ronny Jr. and Ryan, Cookie and Patty Kodetsky their
children, Richard III,Caroline, Christopher, Michael and Sissy Kodetsky.
Joanne was there. Never, ever did she miss an opportunity to celebrate
with us.
While we were all experiencing life we knew how much Joanne loved
dancing. Some of you I know WELL---others know me from my traditional
Christmas visits. Time as we all know often keeps us from doing as much
as we want to in a given day. That was never the case for Joanne----she
ran from job to job and family function to family function. In the mist
of all this Joanne met and married Chucky. Not only was this the
happiest time of her life finding her true love, but she found someone
to share her dreams with. Again selflessly she shared him with us all,
he became UNCLE Chucky. So not only did she give of herself but she
shared her wonderful find, her treasure her husband.
Well as much as I knew Joanne I have to say that the entire family
including myself were blown away by the fact that Joanne meant so much
to SOOOOOOOOO many of you as she did to us. WOW!
There are many songs and shows which creatively express that the wealth
of a persons life can only be described by the richness of the lives you
touch. I could not be prouder knowing Joanne touched the lives of so so
so many people.
-To all of you who shared the last days with us-
-To all of you who shared the happy memories-
-To all of you who embraced Joanne and shared all of what life offers-
-To all of you who called her "FRIEND"
-To all of you we now call "family"
On behalf of her brothers, Johnny and Richie, her sister Jean and her
Brother In Law Tony and the entire extended family.
THANK YOU
MAY WE ALL FIND A WAY TO KEEP JOANNE ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXX
MY DEEPEST THANKS TO ALL
Janice Kodetsky
July 23rd 2009 11:30pm
from: Jo Ann's niece
"An Angel"
I saw an Angel walking, she was dressed all in white
She turned and smiled at me,then vanished out of sight.
Sometimes I sit and wonder why you left and where you've gone. For it
seems so hard at times to find the strength to carry on.
They say a light shines brightly on the other side, it's true. I know
that light was shining and waiting there for you.
Our hearts are grieving heavy and how we miss you so, we still can't
understand why God has taken you Jo.
An Angel walks among us but she can't be everywhere.
So in her loving memory we keep an empty chair.
And for all the times we laughed, joked around and danced. If I had only
one wish, it would be for one more chance.
One more chance to tell you how much you meant before, before this
suddenly happened and you went to Heaven's door.
One more chance to tell you how you meant so very much, the happiness
and the love you shared with all of us.
I saw an Angel walking, she was dressed all in white.
She turned and smiled at me and whispered,..........
"Everything's Alright".
Missing you,
Your loving niece.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May 13th 2009 08:56:40 PM
Martine Healy and Eric Boyle - Ireland
We had the pleasure of visiting Joanne's line dance class last May 2008
in Sheepshead Bay for a Friday night social. We had a lovely evening and
were openly welcomed by Joanne and all members of the club. We are very
saddened to learn of her very untimely death.
It was obvious from the one and only meeting we had, that Joanne was a
lovely and very warm person.
We were visiting New York from Ireland for a long weekend.
We extend our sympathy to all her family, friends and fellow line
dancers.
Martine Healy and Eric Boyle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May 8th 2009 07:31:54 AM
Lori Vengalli for the New Fairfield Post Grad Party committee New
Fairfield, CT
Dear family members,
We are so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. Joanne participated in our
all night party for graduating seniors the past couple of years and the
children so enjoyed her and her dancing. She made it so much fun and she
was so energizing. Joanne was truly a lovely person. Our deepest
sympathies and prayers are with you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
May 7th 2009 07:28:50 PM
Thomas Moss - Broad Channel
Hey JoAnne it feels like forever since I saw you<333 we miss you so much
here on the block its hard without someone here to hang with and play
with the animals with, i miss you so much<33 love little Tommy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May 1st 2009 04:39:46 PM
Anna Warren - Brooklyn, NY
Dear Joanne
18 years ago I met you, it seems like 18 minutes ago, the time has flown
by so fast.
After leaving that first night from the Tamaqua, I knew my life was
about to change,
For that I thank you.
Through the years, you became more than a teacher, you became my friend
, and for
That I’m honored.
You have always made my children feel welcomed, they loved being around
you, and for that, I admire you.
Your love for animals showed me that you had a good heart, and I will
always value that.
You showed me your strength when times were hard, and for that I respect
you.
Your life was taken away so tragically and suddenly.
I miss you now and I will miss you always.
These words are from a song “One More Day” by Diamond Rio which sums up
how my
Heart is feeling:
One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I’d be satisfied
But then again I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 27th 2009 10:25:09 PM
Vivian Bronx, NY
Joanne, you were truly a beautiful person who didn't let anything
interfere with your love for dancing and for making others happy. I wish
I had spent more time with you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 27th 2009 9:07pm
Jenny - Long Island
Hello Everyone,
I am a line dancer living on Long Island and I would like to say how
very sorry I am for your loss. I am aware that Joanne was a much loved
and admired person for her many fine qualities. She apparently made so
many people happy by giving them the opportunity to dance and being a
friend. I am truly sorry that I will never have the
privilege of meeting her. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, Jenny
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 27th 2009 - 02:21:41 PM
Joan Venezia - Brooklyn, NY
I was in North Carolina visiting my daughter Janet when we heard this
terrible tragedy. Joanne always told me "I have to plan my parties
around you". She was the kindest, and most sincere woman I knew. We were
both very devastated and feel the loss and the pain. She will be missed
dearly. Our sympathy goes out to her entire family. I loved Joanne as a
person and as a teacher. She was GREAT and LOVED dancing. She loved LIFE
and loved everyone. I hope she is watching over all of us at the Bay
Ridge Senior Center. It will not be the same without her. God bless you
all.
Joan & Janet Venezia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 26th 2009 01:51:39 PM
George J Carlisle - Brooklyn, NY
Donna and I met Joanne in the early 1990s. We were looking for something
to do and heard the Tamaqua bar in Brooklyn had line dancing. We went
for a couple of weeks and just sat and watched. Than one day Joanne came
over to our table took us by the hand and dragged us onto the dance
floor for a barn dance.
WE became best of friends with Joanne and Bill doing private parties,
going to each others homes, pumpkin picking ect. Then, when they
separated, Joanne was devastated. A small group of us stood by and
helped get her back on her feet. She went from always being in the
background, to becoming a talented dance instructor "Front and center".
She had a personality and smile that drew everyone to her.
Then one day about eight years ago I heard on the radio they were
starting a country date line. I gave her the number and she called and
met Chuck. It was the best thing that could have happened to her.
Chuck's easy going personality and acceptance of all the strays she took
care of made Chuck her ideal soul-mate. Like Joanne, Chuck became part
of our family, we went out all the time. Joanne loved the Renaissance
Fair, Casinos, Small Towns, Chilies Restaurant and Sunday movies! Every
Thursday evening we all went to a diner - Joanne, Barbara, Miriam, Donna
and I. It was on the way to the diner, Thursday April 16th that we got
the tragic news. In an instant everyone's life was changed forever!
The world is a sadder dimmer place without Joanne. The one bright spot
is that over the years, Jeanie, Joanne's sister, and their extended
families (brothers, nephews, nieces their spouses and children) have
adopted us and made us part of their family.
In
closing I'd like to say I know there's a "Special Place" for her in
HEAVEN with her Mom and Dad and probably the hundreds of strays she took
care of throughout the years.- Sadly she leaves behind those two strays
whose hands she took so many years ago at "The Tamaqua"!
"I" , "We" Love you beyond words!
Your Friends Now and Forever-George, Donna
and our daughter Dawn E
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 26th 2009 08:32:09 AM
Nancy - Queens
I've been attempting to post a note but it is tough to piece together my
thoughts. I am still hoping that I will wake up and find that it was
just a bad dream. With everything going on in my life, I always run to
Brooklyn to find solace and Joanne with her smiling face was always
there to greet her guests.
Joanne, you've touched so many lives and given comfort and encouragement
to so many people. You will never be forgotten- God keep you in his
bosom........
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 25th 2009 09:42:54 AM
Diane - Broad Channel
You brought great joy into my life Joanne. Everyone loved you. I will
miss the long walks on the beach. I'm glad I got to know you so well. We
need more people like you in this world. You will be forever in my
prayers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 22nd 2009 - 9:15pm
Very sad to hear the news of Joanne's death. She was a very special
person to a lot of people. Her friends from Roxbury will never forget
the happy times we had dancing with the Western Steppers. Our sympathy
to her family and friends. Carole, Carol, Dolores and Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 22nd 2009 - 6:28:36pm
Marilyn Kuck - Brooklyn, NY
Line dancing at Bergen Beach and Marine Park
I recently started attending Joanne's line dancing class. Her enthusiasm
filtered through
and provided real enjoyment of the dances she taught. Joanne was always
patient, slowing
down to make sure everyone was following the steps. It's been a
fantastic few months knowing
Joanne and I learned a lot from her. I'm sorry I knew her for only a
short while and I will miss her
greatly. May her family and friends find solace in the fact that she
brought happiness to many
people through her dancing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 21st 2009 09:15:25 PM
Sue Kaminsky -Brooklyn, NY/ Saint Petersburg, FL:
The sadness and the anguish that we are all feeling is overwhelming.
Anyone who was privileged enough to have known Joanne has been blessed.
Twenty-one years ago she introduced me to the joy of dancing, and I and
so many hundreds of others are grateful to Joanne for all that she did.
I pray that Chuck and all of Joanne's loved ones find solace in knowing
how much she meant to so many people.
I will miss you, dear friend. "I always thought that I'd see you, one
more time again..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 21st 2009 09:09:59 PM
PAT C - BROAD CHANNEL NEW YORK
JOANNE WILL NEVER BE GONE. SHE WAS FULL OF LAUGHTER, ENTHUSIASM,
STRENGTH AND KINDNESS. SHE HAS TOUCHED EVERYONE'S HEART AND IS LIVING IN
THE HEARTS OF THOSE SHE TOUCHED. WHEN OUR TEARS FLOW HER SPIRIT WILL
SURROUND US, AND SHE WILL COMFORT US. EVERY TIME WE DANCE SHE WILL BE
DANCING WITH US. MAY GOD BLESS, AND MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HER
FAMILY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 21st 2009 3:27:52
Avanti Salant - Brooklyn, NY
Joanne was such an inspiration to my husband Michael and myself. Anna
Warren introduced us to Joanne. She always greeted us with a wonderful
and genuine smile. She was so enthusiastic in her teaching. She made us
all very happy. We were able to forget our worries and fatigue for few
hours we all spent with her. Her phrases always come to my mind "Hit it
George" "Kind of sort of" "and the dance begins again" I am so sad for
the loss. We lost a very special person. Joanne you will always be in my
heart. God bless you. My condolence to the family members. Your love
will always reflect in our hearts
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 21st 2009 08:34:37 AM
Ginny - Brooklyn, NY
You will forever be a "legend" in my heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 21st 2009 07:24:00 AM
Sandra
I just wanted to write and say how sorry I was to hear the news about
Joanne. I actually called her on Saturday to say hello because I hadn't
spoken to her since November and when her husband told me what happened,
it took my breath away. Then I called Larry and he told me about the
passing of Carmen, too.
You guys were a big part of my life for many years and Joanne was
certainly the one who brought me to you when she invited me to a free
class one Monday night in 1998. It all seemed so long ago and yet she
and you guys have always stayed in my heart and in mind. I don't really
know what to say except that my heart is heavy with sadness and regret
that I couldn't be up there for the service but thank you for what you
did on her page. In that photo, she looked like she always did, happy
and full of love.
Thank you again for doing such a beautiful job with that page. My
thoughts and prayers will be with her family, loved ones, and with you
guys.
God bless!
Sandra
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 20th 2009 11:46pm
Sandra Pratt - Nashville TN
Even though, it still doesn't seem real to me now, my heart is totally
broken over this. Joanne was a long-time and dear friend and I will miss
her more than I can say. I only wish that I could've made it up there to
pay my respects but my thoughts and prayers will be with her family,
loved ones, and fellow Western Steppers. Godspeed to heaven.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 20th 2009 11:13:36pm
Marta Broad Channel NY
My condolences to the family, friends and staff that worked with Joanne.
You are all in my prayers.
A Broad Channel Resident
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 20th 2009 10:21:04 PM
Janet R. - Brooklyn, NY
I was among the first to learn of Joann's passing. I cannot tell you how
devastated I was. She was one of the warmest, sweetest people I have
ever met. Her classes brought joy to hundreds of people and she will be
sorely missed by all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 20th 2009 - 06:38:34 PM
Marianne H Freeport N.Y.
What a tragedy & loss of such a vibrant & wonderful person. Joann, you
will be missed, your energy, your compassion, your bubbly personality,
your kindness & your love of dancing & animals..you were part of a
special time in my life & when I think of you all I can do is
smile...you will be missed. My sincerest & deepest sympathies go out to
her family & close friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 20th 2009 03:48:11 PM
holledauer-linedancer Germany
We were devastated at the news of Joanne's death. She is remembered here
with great affection. we are sure she will be greatly missed by all her
friends and family. Be sure of our deepest sympathy.
Barbara and Reinhard,
for the Hollerdauer-linedancers.
Germany
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 20th 2009 02:19:24 PM
Cheryl -Brooklyn, NY
This is truly a great loss. I am happy to have known Joanne. She was a
dear friend to my mother and she changed her life as well as so many
others introducing them to the world of country dancing. Definitely a
precious life lost too soon. My heart is very heavy. I will always
remember her smile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 19th 2009 02:33:48
Barbara -Brooklyn, NY
You will be dearly missed by all of us. We were part of something
special just knowing you. My deepest sympathy to all family and friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 19th 2009 04:46:27 PM
Barbara Jacobs Brooklyn, NY
Joanne was part of one of the happiest periods of my life. When anyone
mentioned Joanne's name, they smiled.. how special is that?
My sympathies are extended to her dearest friends and family.
Barbara Jacobs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 18th 2009 08:49:04 PM
HS -Brooklyn, NY
This is a great loss for all of us. I will always remember the woman who
brought me back to life when she introduced me to the dance, and I hope
she'll look in on me from time to time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 18th 2009 10:12:11 AM
From: Lynn Helmsorig, Merrick, NY
With sincerest and deepest sympathy. God Bless you and hold you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 17th 2009 10:57:48 AM
Rachelle - Brooklyn, N.Y.
My heart is so heavy today, I can barely breathe.
May G-D bless Jo & keep her & her very dear family in the palm of his
hands
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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