DiSTEFANO Ponte Vedra Beach resident Joanne T. DiStefano (SanFanandre), passed away peacefully on October 29, 2015, in her own good time and on her own terms. She was 73. Born in New York City on November 15, 1941, she was the daughter of Julius and Margaret SanFanandre (Starr) and attended Catherine Gibbs Secretarial School. She married her best friend, Gary J. DiStefano, on January 26th, 1964. A former resident of Massachusetts and Ohio, she moved to Ponte Vedra Beach with her family in 1991. Joanne was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, participating enthusiastically in the lives and milestones of her family members. Her fierce wit, complemented by a deep sense of compassion, patience, grace and kindness, were celebrated by a wide circle of friends. An accomplished painter, Joanne parlayed her passion for design aesthetics into an interior decorating career as the owner of JoDi designs in Ponte Vedra Beach. Over the years she also provided professional Christmas home decorating services for many friends and clients throughout Northeast Florida. With an active community focus, she chaired the annual Night to Remember event, benefitting the Alzheimer's Association of Central and North Florida. She is survived by her husband of over 51 years, Gary; daughter, Darcey Howe (DiStefano) and son-in-law Thomas Howe; son, Gary DiStefano, Jr. and daughter-in-law Melissa DiStefano (Myers); brother, Edward SanFanandre; and grandchildren, Thomas, Zach and Sarah Howe. Following a private interment ceremony in November, a celebration of her life is planned for December 2, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home, 4750 Palm Valley Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to The Alzheimer's Association in Florida: Northeast Area, The Alzheimer's Association of Central and North Florida, or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. Her infectious smile, wicked sense of humor and unconditional love will be remembered by all those fortunate enough to have met her. Please sign the online guestbook at www.pontevedravalley.com.