Joanne Z. Deschenes

Joanne Z. Deschenes, 65, of Savannah, GA, wife of Roger D. Deschenes, passed away July 29, 2020 at Pruitt Health-Seaside in Port Wentworth GA.

Mrs. Deschenes was born to the late Louis and Genevieve Zabohonski May 22, 1955 in New Britain, Connecticut.

She was a graduate of Pulaski High School and of Central Connecticut State University, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree. She enjoyed a long career as a Systems Analyst with Aetna Life Insurance Company.

In her younger years, Joanne enjoyed Drum Corps where she played both bugle and fife, marching in parades and winning medals in State and regional competitions, first in Holy Cross Drum Corps and then Carey Seniors Drum Corps.

When Joanne and Roger were married in 1980, this city girl took the bold leap to live in a more countrified setting in Prospect, CT where Roger was a volunteer fireman. Joanne immediately joined The Prospect Volunteer Ladies Auxiliary where she continued to march in parades and assist in various fund-raising activities.

Life’s next journey took Joanne and Roger to Newington, CT in 1988, where they lived until their move to Savannah.

The move to Savannah has an interesting backstory. On a cruise to Hawaii in 1996, Roger had made friends with a husband and wife from Savannah. The way Joanne would tell the story, “I met these people for two minutes at the airport and next thing I know we’re going to visit them a year later”. Joanne fell in love with Savannah (and her new friends) the very first morning. Joanne and Roger continued to visit at least once a year.

Upon retiring 16 years ago, Joanne told Roger “We’re moving to Savannah, I’m not spending another winter in Connecticut.” So they did, and never looked back.

Joanne and Roger’s honeymoon trip to Disney World led Joanne to a lifetime love of Disney World. Joanne also loved going on cruises too, including several Richard Simmons cruises, where some great lifetime friendships with other dieters were made.

She was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church as well as the Lions Club of Savannah.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Helen, and her sister-in-law Stephanie.

Surviving in addition to her husband; a brother,Louis Zabohonski of Wolfboro, NH; a sister, Rachel (Tom) Salvas of Cornville, AZ; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, whom she greatly loved; and many friends, both near and far.

A special thanks to all the staff at both Pruitt Health-Seaside and Pruitt Health-Whitebluff, as well as to the folks at the Candler Center For Medication Management who worked so hard with Joanne.

Visitation will be held Monday August 3rd from 5-7 PM in the chapel of the funeral home with a Rosary Service to begin at 6PM with Father Gabe Cummings officiating.

Due to Covid-19, a Mass of Christian Burial and graveside services will be held at a future date. There will also be a memorial Mass in Connecticut at a future time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 11500 Middleground Rd. Savannah, GA 31419 or the Lions Club of Savannah, P.O. Box 16916 Savannah, GA 31416.

Baker McCullough Funeral Home Hubert C. Baker Chapel is in charge of arrangements. 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive Savannah, GA 31406 912-927-1999.