Joanne L. Nini died peacefully, on Tuesday. June 13, 2023, surrounded by family at the age of 91. At eight years old Joanne (Giovanina) and her mother made the long journey from Pettoranello Italy, to Princeton New Jersey. She and her husband Anthony D. Nini owned Nini Chrysler Plymouth a Princeton institution in its heyday. A homemaker raising five children, her daughter stricken with encephalitis and bedridden, she never wavered in her faith and turned to the Blessed Mother and Padre Pio for strength. She was often heard saying “when life gives you lemons make lemonade” and she certainly made the sweetest lemonade from her life’s challenges.
Joanne was known for her math mind, creativity, love of a good prank or joke, amazing pizzelles and knack for finding out your whole life story over a cup of coffee. As a business owner of antique and collectible shops she befriended many. Joanne’s passions were flea markets and horse racing. When she and Tony built their successful racing stable and breeding farm no one was more proud. She enjoyed time with friends at Monmouth Park. She was an avid bowler bringing home numerous trophies. Her smile shined bright in every room, but it was its brightest at her kitchen table, racing form open, coffee ready, with company coming. With the coffee brewing non-stop she welcomed all to her home. Known as Jenny to her family and childhood friends she made friendships for life.
Joanne is predeceased by her parents Guido and Maria Teresa, her brother Antonio, her husband Anthony D. Nini, her daughter Kathleen and her grandson Anthony. She is survived by her children; Anthony Nini (Assumpta), Janice Nini Weinberg (Fred), Lynda Petrocelli (Joe) and Patricia Biscardi (Tom), sisters; Antoinette Nelson (Nils), and Gloria Hutchinson (Bob), grandchildren: Bradford Schreffler, Kristin Santizo (Milton), Elliott Schreffler, Ariela Weinberg- Shibre (Biniyam), Melissa Nini (John Tenuto), Andrew Nini, Nicole Petrocelli, Joseph Petrocelli, Kristina Biscardi (Joe Vare), Thomas Biscardi, and Amanda Biscardi, great grandchildren; Rocco Nini, Westin Nini, Angelo Santizo, Roman Santizo, Aviel Shibre, many nieces, nephews and cousins, a most dear friend, by her side throughout, Beverly DiBenedetto and her exceptional caregivers Judi and Zena.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Paul Parish, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 followed by burial in Princeton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Princeton – Pettoranello Sister City Foundation or St. Paul Parish.
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