Obituary of Joann Sepulveda

Joann Sepulveda Warwick, New York I can recall my mom sharing a story of a date night she had with my father. It was only fitting that they had gone to see Rocky. The story of an underdog fighter is the story of my mother's life. No matter what life threw at her, she never gave up. She took life's punches and kept on moving forward. Life knocked her down, but she always got back up. So it was no surprise, as she entered her final round this week, that her family and friends stood on their feet and cheered her on, to fight as hard as she could, if only for 1 more round. She put up a brave fight, gathered all her strength she had and gave life hell, just 1 last time. While she might not have won by a knockout, with God in her corner, we know she won the unanimous decision. We all could not be more proud of the effort. Our mother gave us many gifts in life. A fighting spirit. A sense of humor. A love of food. But most importantly, she taught us to fight harder when we are down. Never, ever give up! Joann was born Aug. 22, 1946 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Robert Magnavita and Connie Benedetto. A retired homemaker, she is predeceased by her husband, Sixto. She is survived by her son Leonard Torres and his wife Samantha of Sayre, PA., Her son Charles Torres of Garfield, NJ, her daughter Lisa Smith and her husband David of Florida, Her son Michael Sepulveda and his wife Jessica of Warwick, NY, Kimberly Schaffer and her husband Paul Schaffer of Milford, PA and her daughter DawnMarie Sepulveda of Milford, PA. She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren who were the apple of her eye, Maria, Tiffany, Nicole, Danielle, Josh, Mellisa, Brendina, Roman, Charlie, Johnathan, Jasmin, Christian, Masen, Lucas and her "Uggy" Braiden. Joann is also survived by 4 beautiful great-grandchildren, Cassiel, Damien, Layla and her newest, Declan. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday July 29, 2017 at 10 A.M. at St. Stephen's R.C. Church in Warwick, N.Y. Burial will follow in St. Stephen's Cemetery in Warwick, N.Y. We ask in lieu of flowers a memorial contribution be made in her name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.