SHERIDAN: JoAnn A. Niebel, 79, of East Main Road, Sheridan, lost her long, hard-fought battle with metastatic breast cancer, Friday, November 1st, 2024 (All Saint’s Day) at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital, Jamestown. She was born in Dunkirk on March 8, 1945, the sixth child of the late Joseph and Josephine (Crise) Pietro.
She was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1962, then went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree from SUNY Fredonia and her Masters Degree in Social Work from SUNY Buffalo. While growing up and into early adulthood, JoAnn worked and was part owner of the former Quality Inn Vineyard in Dunkirk, as well as a Manager of the Vineyard Country Club in Westfield. After she returned to school and received her college degrees, she found her passion helping the mentally disadvantaged. As a Certified Social Worker, she worked for the New York Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (NYOPWDD) for over thirty years and was instrumental in securing housing, services and placements for individuals in need. JoAnn and her husband of forty-three years are owners and agents of Niebel Realty in Sheridan.
She was a devoted member of her community and was always willing to offer a helping hand. JoAnn was a former member of the Sheridan Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Sheridan United Methodist Church, where she held many leadership positions. She was also SUNY Fredonia’s Council President for over ten years and an adjunct professor, teaching classes on Social Work. As College Council President, she advocated for fiscal responsibility and a sincere focus on students. Even after leaving the College Council, JoAnn continued to speak and write on issues affecting the college. Above everything else, JoAnn’s greatest joy in life was her family, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally.
Surviving besides her husband are three children; Stacy Weber, Justin (Erin Howe) Niebel, Lesley (Justin Lee) Niebel, and a brother James (Barbara) Pietro. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Jackson, Aubrey and Benjamin Niebel, Trea and Damian Lee along with several nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews, family members and friends. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her mother-in-law Beverly Niebel, three sisters; Rose Pietro, Antonette Snyder, Barbara Riolo and two brothers; Anthony and Louis Pietro.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and on Thursday morning from 9-11 AM. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock from the Sheridan United Methodist Church, 2679 Main Road, Sheridan, NY with Rev. David Watson, pastor officiating. There will be a reception following at 2 o’clock at the Sheridan VFW, 2556 Main Road, Silver Creek. Private Interment will be Sheridan Center Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials may be made either to Sheridan Fire Department, PO Box 122, Sheridan, NY 14135 or to the Sheridan United Methodist Church, 2679 Main Road, Sheridan, NY 14135.
To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
5 Comments
Katie Smith
Terry,
my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I hope over time your memories will bring you comfort. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Katie Smith
Alan Duine
Sympathy to family. Knew Joann when I washed dishes in the late 60’s. Wonderful personality. Enjoyed knowing her. All the family were great to me. She’ll be missed.
Alan Duine
When I worked at the Vineyard I worked dishwasher weekdays in the 60’s. Got to know Joann well. Sympathy to all.
Karen Gould
Terry, Stacey, Justin, and Leslie,
JoAnn was a dear friend from our JN Adam days, and I am shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. I have fond memories of our work together in Family Care with Louise Fox, Linda Miller, and many others. While our contacts were infrequent after retirement, I often thought of her while driving Rt. 20 in Sheridan. You have my deepest sympathy.
Christina Jarvis
Terry, please accept our deepest condolences as you process this seismic loss. May you find comfort in your decades of memories of JoAnn and the knowledge that she left so many amazing legacies. What she did for SUNY Fredonia on the College Council was extraordinary and her impact will be long-lasting. JoAnn’s voice and dedication are sorely missed.