Joan A. Buto (Joanie) of Congers, N.Y. lost her battle to Glioblastoma on July 11, 2020 at the age of 68. Joanie’s predeceased by her daughter Tara Lynn, her father Joseph and her mother Helen (Retacco). Joanie’s survived by her son Joseph, her sister Diane Papantonio (Philip), her sister Linda Gonzalez (Alex) and her brother Robert Buto (Carol). She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces, a great nephew and many cousins.
Joanie started her career in the advertising industry at the age of 18 in NYC. She achieved great success climbing the corporate ladder to become a Vice President at one of the largest world-renowned advertising agencies until her retirement in June of 2015. Days after her retirement, Joanie was diagnosed with high-grade Glioblastoma with a life expectancy of up to 18 months. As devastating as this news was, Joanie decided to fight to live as long as she could for her son and family. Due to her declining health, Joanie eventually relocated to Parkland, FL. to continue her journey with her family beside her. Joanie opened a drug and alcohol substance abuse facility, Changes Treatment and Recovery, in Pompano Beach with her brother, where she was admired and respected by all. Joanie was passionate about helping others, and will be missed tremendously by all those whose lives she touched.
As we all know, Joanie was a fierce, loving and strong willed woman. Even though she was fighting the cancer, Joanie never gave up. Joanie put herself in front of her cancer and said, "on my terms"' and that is exactly how it played out. Joanie put her faith in God and with her faith and courage she faced her illness with grace and dignity. After multiple surgeries, Joanie lost her battle to Glioblastoma at home surrounded by her entire family and loved ones five years and two weeks after her diagnosis.
Joanie was a selfless, caring and giving woman and was the matriarch of her family. She put her family before herself. She was an inspiration, role model and mentor to all of her family. Joanie cared for her invalid mother for over 30 years and also raised a strong and independent son, whom she was very proud of all of his accomplishments. Joanie comes from an extremely close family. Her love and loyalty to her family goes beyond what words can say. Joanie has reunited with her daughter, Tara Lynn, and her parents, Helen and Joseph, in Heaven and is now watching over her son, Joseph, whom she adored and lived for.
If you would like to leave a memory, photo or a note for Joanie, please log onto dignitymemorial.com. Visitation will be held on Saturday July 18, 2020 from 3pm to 7pm at Babione Funeral Home located at 100060 Calle Comercio Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33428.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation to one of Joanie’s favorite charities, please visit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to end childhood cancer http://giftfunds.stjude.org/Joan_Buto. Thank you all in advance for your love and support.
With love,
The family of Joan A. Buto
