Obituary of JoAnn Audrey Samuelson

JoAnn Audrey McAuliffe Samuelson Allegany, NY JoAnn Audrey McAuliffe Samuelson, 102, of Allegany, passed away Monday (February 23, 2026). Born November 25, 1923 in Olean, she was the daughter of John and Marcialyn Siddons McAuliffe. JoAnn graduated from Olean High School and later Westbrook Commercial Academy in Olean. She worked as a bookkeeper at Chiavetta Brothers, Inc. and also Hydrox Dairy. She later worked at St. Francis Hospital and retired from Olean City School District. JoAnn met and fell in love with Carl, and they were married on March 3, 1950. For over 63 years they shared a great life adventure. Proud of the family they raised, they built a fine life, and shared a sense of selflessness, character, and steadfastness, always putting family first. Together they laid a foundation for a content and meaningful life. She was a woman of strong belief, independence, faith, and courage. She firmly believed that each person’s life should be allowed to play out, as it has already been planned out from start to finish. She maintained a keen mind and sharp wit until her passing. JoAnn could usually be found doing crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles, or answering Jeopardy questions. She loved playing cards with friends and family. She and Carl enjoyed over thirty summers at Cuba Lake, and had special friendships with Pete and Sue Simmons, and Mike and Martha Nenno. JoAnn is survived by her five children, Kenrick (Sharon) Samuelson of Millersville, MD, Richard (Debbie Freeman) Samuelson and Randall (Carolyn) Samuelson, both of Olean, Russell (Chi Chi) Samuelson of Upper Darby, PA, and Marcialyn Dunkerley of Portsmouth, VA. She was a proud grandmother to K. C. (Savannah) Samuelson, Derrick (Ciara) Samuelson, Lauren (Daniel) Maguire, Carl (Candice) Samuelson, John (Laurel) Samuelson, Adanna Samuelson, and Arinze Samuelson. She was great grandmother to Maddox Samuelson, McKenna Samuelson, Maeve Samuelson, Reece Samuelson, Zoey Samuelson, Caleb Samuelson, Margaret Maguire, James Maguire, Patrick Maguire, Riley Samuelson, Morgan Samuelson, Madeline Samuelson, Magnolia Samuelson, and John Samuelson, Jr. She is also survived by members of the Dunkerley family, including Marcialyn’s stepchildren, grandchildren, and her sister-in-law, Lynne Doolan. Her legacy of devotion to family, and her strength and integrity will live on through them all. She was predeceased by her loving husband Carl of 63 years, both her parents, and her brother Gerald McAuliffe, as well as her son-in-law, John Dunkerley. At JoAnn’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. The family will have a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Those wishing to honor JoAnn may make memorial gifts to Homecare and Hospice, 115 E. Main St., Allegany NY 14706. Arrangements are with the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.