Obituary of Joanne M. Liaros

Joanne M. Liaros Bradford, PA Joanne M. Liaros formerly of Allegany and Williamsville, NY passed away Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home in Bradford, PA where she had been residing since 2017. Born August 29, 1929 in Lewiston, ME, she was the youngest daughter of the late John and Stella Bizandakos Liarakos. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1947. After relocating to Western New York, she assumed several roles including working jobs at The Statler Hotel, Allegany Drive-In, and Grosstal Ski Area (later known as Ski Wing). She then earned her real estate broker license and started her own business, Joanne Smith Real Estate and was a member of the Board of Realtors. After her well-earned retirement from real estate, she took on a management role at Harry Liaros Vending where she worked alongside her husband until they both retired. She resided in the Buffalo area for many years and was active as a member of the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation where she belonged to the Philoptochos Society where she helped others with rides to appointments, provided meals, and visited the sick or those in need of assistance. One of her favorite endeavors was searching for the perfect items to put into “Theme Baskets” for the church raffles. On a given day you could find Joanne shopping for the latest fashions and bargains often while walking the mall every morning with her friends. She loved crafting, decorating her home for every holiday, and hosting game nights of Scrabble and cards. In her quiet times, she would conquer the latest newspaper crossword puzzle, read her favorite novel, or lovingly prepare greeting cards for those she wanted to bless. She was an avid collector. Some of her favorite collections included porcelain dolls, spoons and coins of the United States, miniature shoes, delicate teacups and saucers… the list could go on! A loyal fan of the Buffalo Bills, Boston Red Sox, and a long-time season ticket holder of the Buffalo Sabres, you could hear Joanne cheering with the best of them. Not only was she a spectator of sports but in her younger days she showed her talents bowling. In 1954 Mrs. Liaros married Sherman Smith who predeceased her. She later married Harry J. Liaros who also predeceased her. In addition to her husbands, she was predeceased by 2 brothers Charles Liarakos and Steve Liarakos, 4 sisters Cecile D’Amour, Anna Larocca, Bessie Hildreth, and Toni Ramsey, and her great-grandson Sebastian Bradley. She leaves behind 5 children Judy (Paul) Amos of Dallas, TX, Patricia (Dana) Bradley of Allegany, NY, Sandra (Jim) Roberts of Houston, TX, Sherman (Irene) Smith of Allegany, NY, and Stacey (Tom) Harding of Winston Salem, NC; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The family invites friends to attend a graveside service on Tuesday (December 19, 2023) at 2 pm in Allegany Cemetery. Rev. Kim Rossi, rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Olean, will officiate. A memorial service will be announced for the Spring to which all will be invited. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 146 W. Utica St., Buffalo, NY 14222. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.