Joanna Burinski went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday with her loving family around her at the Chittenango Center. She was born in Calabria, Italy and at the age of 3 came to the U.S. Joanna lived in Syracuse most of her life. Joanna was a devoted and loving wife, mother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She loved her family with her whole heart. She was predeceased by her parents, Grace and John Pagano; her beloved husband, Albert; her daughter, Gayle; her brother, Anthony Pagano; her sisters, Sara Mariano and Concetta Pagano. She was a talented seamstress, baker, crafter and an avid reader. She attended the First Christian Assembly Church for many years and was a devoted Sunday school teacher, was active in the choir and the Women's Ministries. She was a member of the North Syracuse Baptist Church for over 30 years where she served as a Deaconess, Pioneer Girl Leader and VBS worker and enjoyed the Woman's Ministries and Senior Citizen trips. She is survived by her daughter, Lois (Denny) Pexton; her granddaughter, Nicole (Craig) Rheaume; her grandson, James Retzos Jr.; her great-grandchildren, Aiden Retzos, Westin Retzos, Sophia Rheaume and Christian Rheaume. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Jessie Kasten and Rose Wisniewski and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the G.F. Zimmer Funeral Home, 702 Legion Drive, Chittenango, Rev. James Harriff officiating. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memory Gardens, DeWitt. A calling hour will be 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Syracuse Baptist Missionary Fund, 420 South main St., North Syracuse, NY 13212.

Published in Syracuse Post Standard on July 26, 2012