Joanna Chesebro Malone, 86, passed away peacefully at her Rotterdam, New York home on Feb. 1, 2022.

Joanna was born Feb. 19, 1935, in Boothbay, Maine. She attended the Boothbay Harbor school district, then moved with her family at age 16 to Albany, New York, to run the Stittig Family candy shop and restaurant. A few years later, her family returned to Boothbay and Joanna remained in New York after meeting her husband, Fred Malone. Joanna moved back to East Boothbay in 2008 to enjoy many years of retirement with her dearest cousins, Rebecca Rice and Janet Chesebro. She moved back to New York in 2019 to be closer to her family.

Over the years, in addition to being a homemaker, Joanna was a telephone operator for “Ma Bell,” seamstress for JC Penney, worked the tobacco counter for Albany Public Market, and later retired after 37 years of service with the NYS Dept. of Civil Service in Albany. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, crocheting, reading, bingo, cooking, baking, and most importantly, her family, friends, and cherished cats.

Joanna was predeceased by her mother, Ruth Stittig Chesebro, who died in 1982; her father, William Chesebro, who died in 1996; and, her sister, Judith Harmon, who died in 1982.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Haake (Chris) of Rotterdam, New York; her son, Scott Malone (Mariana) of Cromwell, Connecticut; five grandchildren: Glenn Smith, Dale Smith (Nicole), Samantha George (Ryan), Heather Montanaro (Carmen), and Ryan Haake; 11 great-grandchildren: Haileigh Smith; Gabriel and Sophia Smith; Silvio, Carmine, and Meadow Montanaro; Nora and Memphis George; Easton Collins; Karlina Ramirez; and, Abigail Black; several cousins, nieces, and nephews, including Dale Harmon of East Boothbay, Maine, with whom she had a close relationship.

The five days leading up to her passing were a continuous farewell celebration, reminiscent of the large birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas gatherings the family always had together. Her home was full of family and friends, sharing memories, photographs, laughter, and tears.

To share a memory or condolence with Joanna’s family, please visit demarcostonefuneralhome.com.