Joan M. Picone of Canton, born November 6, 1959 went home to her place in heaven on October 18, 2013 after a difficult struggle with cancer. At the time of her passing, she was being cared for at The Aultman Compassionate Care Center. Preceded in death by her mother Saveria Picone (Colonna), father Samuel Picone, and brother Robert Picone, she is survived by her loving brother Samuel (Sam) Picone, loving partner of 25 years Dale Young, and her "Aunt Rae" Lijoi (Colonna) who was very loved by her. A graduate of Walsh University, Joan held a BA in Business, and an MBA in Healthcare Management. She worked for ten years with the American Cancer Society. During Joan's tenure with the ACS, she will forever be remembered for her arduous work as committee member of the team that obtained passage of Smoke Free Ohio. She was passionate and diligent about this cause, and put her heart and soul into the campaign for its passage. She also loved to spend time with her brother, with whom she was very close, and travel with her partner, Dale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Christ the Servant Church (formerly Our Lady of Peace) in Canton, Ohio. Mass will be held at 11 A.M., and the family will receive visitors at the church for one hour prior to the mass (10 A.M.). The family and dear friends of Joan's would like to give sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at Aultman Hospice and the Aultman Compassionate Care Center for their kindness, understanding, and loving care given to Joan, family and friends. Her family and partner would also like to thank Joan's wonderful circle of friends who assisted with her care, visited with her, and gave her the love and support needed to make this courageous journey home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Aultman Compassionate Care Center C/O The Aultman Foundation, Attn: Lee Kenny 2600 Sixth St. SW Canton, OH 44710. Arrangements are being made through Rossi Funeral Home and interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Canton, OH. Joan, the eternal advocate, continues her work in heaven.

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