Joanne Lemieux

Joanne was born on August 6, 1935, to Frank and Thelma Schmidt, in Orange, New Jersey. Her parents ran a small delicatessen and grocery store in East Orange and lived above the store for parts of her childhood. She attended Mount Saint Dominic Academy High School, where she was active in various sports and school activities. She excelled at roller skating, and was sought after by local Roller Derby teams when the sport was in its heyday. As her classmates described her, Joanne was “proof that best things come in small packages.” At a baby shower for her sister-in-law, she met her future husband. Joseph Lemieux, her sister-in-law’s brother, was there. Joanne fell immediately in love. Joe was serving in the Air Force in Alaska at the time, but nothing could come between them. They were soon engaged and married in August 1956. Her husband joined a large corporation in 1957, shortly after the birth of their first son. They began a journey moving from factory town to factory town. Joanne was the bedrock of the family, tending to four young children and a home while Joe was taking on increasingly greater work responsibilities. She made friends quickly in each new location, and supported her growing family in adjusting to their new surroundings. Joe and Joanne finally put down roots in Ottawa Hills, Ohio, in 1972, where they welcomed their fifth child. Joanne’s strong Catholic faith was tested when her daughter, Cheryl, died in a car accident just before Christmas of 1978. Her sadness never eclipsed her strength, and her family grew closer through those tragic times. Joanne was known for her sense of style and grace, and her closest friends lasted her whole life. She loved her garden and the birds that visited. She would spend her spare time making needlepoint Christmas ornaments and stockings for her family and playing old standards on the piano. She loved old musicals and classic movies, and cherished sharing these passions with her grandchildren. Born Frances Joanne Lemieux, she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Joseph; and her daughter, Cheryl. She is survived by children, Gerald, and his wife, Carolyn (Zanville); Craig, and his wife, Kym (Hoffey); Kimberly Wolff, and her husband, Jeff; and Allison; as well as 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Services for the family were held privately at Corpus Christi University Parish, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Ansberg-West Funeral Home handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either Hospice of Northwest Ohio or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Joanne Lemieux

August 6, 1935 - August 15, 2025