Joanne Sanidas, loving Nouna to all who knew her, was welcomed into eternal life on October 27, 2023, by a multitude of angels and saints, at the age of 85. Joanne, the daughter of Greek immigrant parents John and Dionysia Sanidas, was born on February 16, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She made Milwaukee her home her entire life and was a graduate of Milwaukee Juneau High School in 1956. Growing up with limited economic means, she entered the workforce straight out of high school. She put her considerable people skills to great use waiting tables at Petroff’s coffee shop, Hampton coffee shop, and the Pig N Whistle. Everybody who came in contact with her loved her. Her passion for people and strong work ethic eventually led to her and a business partner, April Malone, to buying The Front Page supper club in North Lake Wisconsin. They successfully ran the restaurant for around a decade. Eventually, that chapter ended, and she went to work for her brother and sister-in-law, George and Carole Sanidas, at their restaurant the Cobblestone Inn in Hartland Wisconsin. Her extensive experience proved invaluable. When she was not working, she was a lifelong caregiver to her father and subsequently her aunt. Her caregiving spanned over 4 decades. Joanne lived every day of her life with Joy. Her laughter was contagious and everyone loved being greeted by her “How are you?” as only she could say it. When Joanne walked in, the room came to life. She shared her Joy with every life she touched. Joanne loved a good cup of coffee, chocolate, travel, and everything Mickey Mouse. She took great pride in her Greek heritage where she enthusiastically shared her Greek traditions with her family and friends. Being Greek orthodox was very important to her, and her love for her church was almost to the extent of her love of her family. Joanne never married, but that did not mean she was without family. She loved her nephews John and Steve, as if they were her own. She shared that same love, for her great nephew and nieces. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dionysia Sanidas, and her aunt Costandina Alexander. She is survived by her brother George(Carole)Sanidas, her nephews John(Andrea) Sanidas and Steve Sanidas. She is further survived by her great nephew Alexander Sanidas and her great nieces Sophia and Ava Sanidas. The Sanidas family wants to thank Dr. Kathleen Baugrud from Madison Medical Affiliates, Horizon Hospice, and The Courtyard at Sussex for their excellent care.
An Orthodox funeral liturgy will take place on November 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM, preceded by visitation from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 West Congress Street, Wauwatosa, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Joanne’s name to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Joanne Sanidas, please visit our Tribute Store.