Joanne Edith Dechene, 79

Joanne Edith Dechene, 79, of Tupper Lake passed away peacefully on Friday, March 5, 2021 at her home.

She was born in Tupper Lake, moved to Long Island, N.Y. during her early years, and returned to Tupper Lake with her mother Mercile and brother Leonard, at the age of 16 after the loss of her father, Leonard Young.

Joanne attended Holy Ghost Academy and graduated in 1959. Shortly thereafter she met the love of her life, Robbie Dechene, who she married in 1960 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

Joanne and Robbie were married 60 years. They had three children, David Jr., Patti and John, four grandchildren Kelan, Michael, Quinn and Alyssa and one great grandchild Will.

Joanne cherished her time with her family, especially the grandchildren. Her grandchildren loved spending their summers and holidays with their “Grammie.”

Joanne’s first job was with the Sunshine Store, the local hardware store, but what most people know her for was her loving care of children of Tupper Lake and surrounding areas. Joanne provided child care for a number of children until her retirement in 1994. The children she cared for, now adults with families of their own, to this day talk about their time at Joanne’s, and no matter the holiday or any regular day, stopped by with gifts or just to say hi.

Joanne was also a wonderful cook and enjoyed making special treats for her grandchildren like her chocolate cake with cherry, marshmallow and chocolate drizzle topping. Her evenings consisted of completing crossword puzzles and taking her chances on scratch-off tickets.

She is preceded in death by her father, Leonard Young; her mother Mercile Forkey, and step-father Carlin Forkey; and her brother Leonard Young.

Joanne is survived by her husband, David (Robbie) Dechene of Tupper Lake, her son David Dechene, Jr. of Tupper Lake, her daughter Patti Roddy and spouse Kieran Roddy of Syracuse, N.Y., son John Dechene and spouse Eva Dechene of Lockhart, TX; grandsons Kelan and Michael Roddy of Syracuse, N.Y., granddaughters Victoria (Quinn) Hernandez and spouse Billy Hernandez, and Alyssa Dechene; and great-grandson William Thomas Hernandez of Lockhart, TX.

A mass service will be held St. Alphonsus Holy Name Parish on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11a.m. Interment services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to High Peaks Hospice or the Tupper Lake Volunteer Ambulance and Emergency, 169 Main St., Tupper Lake, NY 12986.

Condolences can be made online at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.