Condolence: Sadly, I never met Joanne in person, yet as a legal assistant I was often called upon to "call Joanne". I would ask for help with the strangest requests, often on the spur of the moment, and with her easy laugh, great sense of humor and generous personality, she always made my job easier and relieved the stress that she sensed in my voice - always ending our conversations on a cheerful note. I will miss her wonderful spirit and kind heart.

Condolence: I am truly shocked and sad to hear the tragic news of Joanne's passing. I am truly sorry for your loss. We've known each other for approx. 20 years. She was truly one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She was always worried about everyone else's well being. I will have fond memories of her. May she rest in peace and may you have peace in your hearts. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Noreen DeCiucis

Condolence: Dear Randi , Ryan , Jeffrey & Family, It's difficult to find words of comfort during this time of sorrow, my heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy go out to you for your loss. May you find solace in knowing what a wonderful soul Joanne has and how she touched many lives in positive ways. The fond memories that we hold dear will keep her alive in our hearts and our minds forever. I share in your sorrow and know how much Joanne will be missed, she was a beautiful caring woman and all who knew her were enriched by her. Please know that my prayers are with you all. May God's Light From heaven shine upon you always, Very Sincerely, Cathy "If we are loved and remembered, then we live on forever in the hearts of those who love us." -- Ten Menten

Condolence: Dear Randi, Jeffery & Ryan It was my pleasure to have known Joanne. All the years we worked together there was not a day that went by that she didn't talk of her family. It was either my boys or Randi. Joanne was a special lady and a wonderful person. I will always treasure her memory and her wonderful friendship. The world has lost a wonderful woman. Marie Anglace Derby Clerk's Office

Condolence: We were shocked to read of Joanne's passing in the on-line version of the Valley Gazzette. Irene, you were my boss when I worked at Bungay School as a health aide for 10 yrs. I remember the great love for and pride in your beautiful daughter. Bob & I finally met Joanne when we were members of the Seymour Ambulance Corps back around the '80's or sol Randi, you picked a wonderful and beautiful lady to be your life's partnerl We remember the two of you as a loving and happy couplel We moved to Palmyra, VA in 1988 and think of and talk about our friends at the Seymour Ambulance Corps during that time. You and Joanne always come up in those conversations and rememberances. May God bless you and all of the Lewis and Vensel family, and know that Joanne will now be watching over you and guiding you. As a side note,, after reading her obituary, I wish we had been in contact after we moved to VA, as we have been very active in dog rescue here. I'm sure we would have had many dogs stories to tell each other about.

Condolence: Randi and family. I am sorry to hear about Joanne. She was truly a wonderful person and will be deeply missed. She loved her dogs and her family. I had spoken to her recently and joked that she was probably finished with her Christmas shopping. She was amazing and always had things organized. I will miss my friend.

Condolence: My deepest condolences to the family. I know words do not help but fond memories tend to ease the grief. I know my dad (Andy) always spoke very highly of Joanne. I am so sorry for your loss. Ricky Martin (SHS '71)

Condolence: Dear Randi, My Condolences to you, your son Ryan and Jeffery. Its a great lost to lose a wife, a mother. Sad day in heaven that this has happen. It not rain that falling but tears of saddness and joy to a love one coming home to God! My blessing to you and your family on this day. Your Friend Ron

Condolence: We are so sorry to hear about Joanne passing. God bless you all Joanne rest in peace. Gary Garamella, Anne and Ashley

Condolence: Dear Irene,Bob and The Vensel-Lewis Families, I'm so saddened by your loss. Know that your family will be in my thoughts and prayers over the next few days. Sincerely, Jo-Ann @ Dr. Vinokur's

Condolence: Joanne and I have worked together for a long time. The work that I do kept us in touch with each other most of the day. At times while working, Joanne would share stories about her sons Ryan, and Jeffrey who she loved so much. We would also laugh and talk about some of the funny things our dogs would do. We both love the same breed of dog. She has a black and brown lab, I have a yellow lab. I will miss her very much. Randi my deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this sad time. I hope that you can find some comfort in your many special memories and in the thought of the happy years you shared. Karen, Clerk's Office

Condolence: To Joanne's family friends and to Jo herself... I had the priviledge of knowing Joanne for almost two years in my capacity as an Investigator in the Public Defenders Office in Derby. I would be in her office daily, so we had a great deal of time to get to know one another...she was a special lady, filled with stories of her family, friends and of course, her pups! As an avid animal lover myself, I loved the tales of adventures she would relay...she had such a capacity for love and caring of those in need. She was so very patient and had all the answers to my questions about work...she never yelled or scolded...unless it was a personal issue then the 'Mom' hat would be put on and even though we were 10 years apart, she gave me advice, some I did not necessarily want to hear! Jo was a special lady and I will miss her, although I was lucky, I got the chance to say goodbye...I have moved to a different office in Stamford and on my last days I was so very fortunate to be able to tell my friend Jo how she had influenced my life. Her laugh...oh that laugh...! I was able to tell her what I loved about her, what she had meant to me...and how very much I will miss her. Jo--you were the light in the Prosecuter's office and it will be a bit darker without you sitting in your seat. I am so glad I got to say goodbye to my friend.

Condolence: Randi and family: My deepest condolences to you all. May your happy memories of Joanne bring you comfort. Please know that you all made her a very happy person, her face would light up whenever she spoke of her family. I will truly miss my friend, she was so very special. Missy

Condolence: The Lewis Family, My heartfelt sympathy for your loss.Joanne was one of the sweetest women I've ever known.It was always a pleasure to stop by to see her,whenever I came into the courthouse.She talked lovingly about her sons and dogs all the time.We will all miss her special smile and great character.I feel very blessed to have had her in my life.Her physical body has left us but she will be here in spirit forever.

Condolence: Randi: I am so sorry. I've known you guys ever since High School, (maybe even before) and was so pleased to meet up with you and Joanne at that store after all these years. I remember all the good times Barry and I had shared with you and Joanne in the old days. Joanne was such a joy, she will be greatly missed by all!

Condolence: Randi, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, please know that you and your familiy are in my thoughts and prayers, may you find comfort that she is at peace with the lord.

Condolence: Randi & Family, Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Take solace in knowing that Joanne is in the hands of the lord. If there is anything I can do please do not hesitate to call on me, no matter how small the task.

Condolence: My office is down the hall from the State's Attorneys Office. Every now and then when it was quiet I'd hear Joanne laugh for, to me, an unknown reason. It always made me smile. I'm going to miss that. -Joan, secretary, Derby Public Defender's Office.

Condolence: We are very sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. The courthouse will never be the same. Our hearts go out to all of you.

Condolence: Joanne's Family: Joanne was always an oasis of calm in our hectic world. Walking into the Derby State's Attorney's Office was never daunting as she would be quick to say Hello and share a laugh. Over the years she did many favors and was always more than helpful. Joanne never let the attorneys feel as if we were burdening her with our many questions and request for her help. In our lives as defense attorneys Joanne was part attorney, part peace maker, part mother, but mostly all friend. Thank you for sharing her with us all these years. God bless you. May Joanne be carried into paradise on the wings of Angels. She has earned that and much more. Mike Hillis

Condolence: Jeff, we are so sorry to hear that you have lost your Mom, just know that we are thinking about you and your family, and close your eyes and you can feel our hug, Love gramma DiClementi

Condolence: On behalf of everyone in the firms of Jacobs, Grudberg, Belt. Dow & Katz, our hearfelt condolences. Joanne was, to all the lawyers who entered the Derby Couthouse, a friendly face, a friendly helper and a friend. She was so proud of her family. What we will miss most is the instinctive warmth and courtesy she showed all of us. She knew how to make our jobs easier and us feel better. I only hope her legacy will be that those qualities will be emulated by others. Joanne is in our prayers.

Condolence: Randi and Family, I am deeply sorry for your precious loss. Please know she is a your guardian angel looking down on all of you. She will truly be missed but know she is in a peaceful place. Randi please let me know if you need absolutely anything I am there for you. Love, Tanya

Condolence: I have known Joanne for over 10 years and speak to her almost daily at work. Joanne and I have had countless conversations about all different things in life...but I must say, no matter what the conversation...it ALWAYS included mention, stories or could be anything about or pertaining to her two sons, Ryan and Jeff. Joanne loved her sons unconditionally and whole heartedly and they were her life. I had a long conversation with her just this past Friday and she was sharing stories of Ryan and Jeffrey when they first started school. I am so sorry to you all and you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. This is very shocking and devastating and Joanne will be missed very much.

Condolence: i am so very sorry for your loss!!! my and my family's prayer and thoughts are with you god bless her!! and may she rest in peace

Condolence: Randi, We are both very sad to hear about Joannes passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God keep you strong in this difficult time. Jim & Nancy Kazmierski Weddington, NC

Condolence: Randi, Uncle Bob, Aunt Irene & Family... Lou & I were so saddened to hear of Joanne passing. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you all in this terrible time of sorrow. Our prayers & thoughts are with you all.