Joanne Zeishner

Joanne Zeishner, 72, affectionately known as “JoJo”, “Mom” and by the name that meant the most to her, “Nana”, peacefully passed away in her sleep on June 28th. Joanne was immensely proud of her Italian heritage, and in true Italian spirit, was a fighter until the end. She battled many illnesses and ailments the last 30 years, always without a complaint, and always thinking of others first. Joanne was born in New Rochelle, NY, and grew up in Mamaroneck, NY. She was surrounded by a large loving family: scores of cousins, aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents, siblings, and in true Italian fashion, many friends that were viewed as family. After high school graduation, Joanne attended the McConnell Airline School in Minnesota. Though her career ultimately did not lead her to the airline industry, one of her fondest memories was working in the Pan Am building in Manhattan. Joanne spent the majority of her adult life in South Florida. She started her own family, raising two sons, Harold and Andy. She never missed a school play or a sporting event for her children, though she worked full time, cooked amazing meals and kept the cleanest house on the block. She was a force of nature! Despite falling ill in her forties, Joanne continued to give to others. Though no longer able to work, she volunteered her time at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines, Fl. She found pleasure in the activities and companionship of others at the Focal Point Senior Center. Joanne spent her last 8 years in North Carolina, surrounded by her loving children, Harold and Andy, her amazing daughter-in-laws, Megan and Debbie, and wonderful friends, Gene and Georgette De Porter. Yet, the highlight of her life was the joy, laughs and hugs of her grandchildren, Logan, Hayden, Kacey and Zac. Her favorite role in life was that of “Nana”, and she was the best grandmother anyone could ask for. These last 8 years, Joanne had a second family, the amazing people at The Addison of Fuquay-Varina, where Joanne resided. They were not staff to Joanne, nor was she just a resident, she was treated as family. You are all true heroes! Joanne was preceded in death by her mother, Adeline Corsetti, father, Joseph Emanuele, father, Carl Corsetti, aunt, Ida Cesario, uncle, Enrico Cesario, brother-in-law, Pat Protano and nephew, Pat Protano, Jr. Joanne is survived by sons Harold (Megan) and Andrew (Debbie); grandchildren, Logan, Hayden, Kacey and Zac, sisters Marie Protano (Gaetano), Dolores Protano (Pat), brother Andrew Corsetti (Sheri), nieces Toni Protano, Packy Boggs, Adeline Ulvang, Mia Valero, Carla Corsetti, Nicole King, Emme Boggs, nephews Guy Protano III, Joey Protano, Ben Protano, Tom Protano, Arthur Boggs and Robert Moore. Joanne loved a good meal and sitting at the table with family and friends. In that spirit, the family is asking in lieu of flowers that donations be made to A Place at the Table (tableraleigh.org), a restaurant that provides community and great food for all, regardless of means. Joanne’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 7th with a funeral mass at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 3008 Old Raleigh Road, Apex, NC. 27502. Please be seated by 10:45 for a eulogy before the 11:00 mass. The family will receive all friends and family at the home of Harold Zeishner, 7208 Capulin Crest Drive, Apex, NC. 27539, immediately after the mass. We will celebrate Joanne’s life in the way she loved the most, with good food and good stories!

Joanne Zeishner

April 23, 1950 - June 28, 2022