Obituary: Joanne Picciano

Joanne Barbara (Kestner) Picciano, age 85, a resident of Calumet Township, passed away on Saturday October 19, 2024, at her residence in Calumet, Michigan.

Joanne was born on March 18, 1939 in Laurium, Michigan, to parents Joseph and Anna (Lakner) Kestner.

She graduated from Calumet High School with the Class of 1957, and played baritone horn in the CHS Band and Pep Band.

On December 9, 1961 she was united in marriage to Joseph L. Picciano, Sr. Together they enjoyed traveling around the Great Lakes Region for car shows and sightseeing in their Triumph sports cars.

In early adulthood, Joanne worked for Michigan Bell as a switchboard operator. She later transitioned to her roles of homemaker and mother, in which she cherished supporting her husband and raising their sons. She served on the board of CHS Band Parents for several years, helping organize fundraisers, competitions, and trips.

Joanne, along with her husband Joe, ran the CLK Council of Churches’ Food Pantry for 13 years. In 2014, Joanne & Joe were honored as Citizens of The Year by the Copper Country Elks #404. She was a devout member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and enjoyed engaging with the parish.

Throughout her life, Joanne loved to bake, share recipes with, and host holiday parties for her family and close friends. Some of her fondest memories were times spent at Nara’s Beach, White City, and “the farm” with dear friends, the Crnkovich and Limback Families.

She was preceded in death by:
Her husband, Joseph L. Picciano, Sr.
Her infant Son, David Michael Picciano
Her mother, Anna Kestner
Her father, Joseph Kestner
Her mother-in-law, Ann (Andrew) Salata

She is survived by:
Her Sons, Joe (Annette) Picciano, Jr. of Portland, OR and Jon (Cari) Picciano of Philadelphia, PA.
Her “Number #3 Son”: JB White of Swartz Creek, MI.
Very close family friends: Bill Limback Family, Frank Crnkovich Family and Special Grandchild Dorothy (Alex) Loukus & Paisley.

A memorial mass will be held Tuesday October 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Calumet.

Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of services on Tuesday.
Online condolences can be left for the family atwww.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Paul the Apostle Church in Calumet, or Little Brothers–Friends of the Elderly Upper Michigan Chapter.