Joanne Garreffa

Joanne Garreffa, age 88, was peacefully called into eternal life on Friday, September 13, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family where she resided at Crandall Medical Center in Sebring, Ohio. 

She was born on January 20, 1936, in Youngstown Ohio to the late Alex and Catherine Shasho. Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Johnny (Michael) Porrazzo of Decatur, Georgia; Debbie Burch of Alliance; Angie (Fred) Schuller of Alliance; Theresa (Micah) Butler of Canton; 5 grandchildren; Freddy (Desaray) Schuller; Cyndi (Eric) Austin; Kenny (Loretta) Burch; Brandon Johnstin; Katie Johnstin; 8 great grandchildren; Zachery, Devon, Izabella & Riley Schuller; Gaige Schuller; Ben & Andrew Austin; Sebastian Burch; and a great- great grandson, Oliver Schuller; 2 sisters, Gerry Jewel and Sandy Berry; and many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

 Joanne was preceded in death by her sisters, Martha Bowman, Vi Sobinovsky, Helen Weibel, Delores Leone, Patsy Swedik, and Anne Bailey; brothers, Michael Shasho, Charles Shasho, and Alex Shasho Jr; and one grandson, Dustin Schuller.

 She delighted in her cooking career. It was her life passion to cook and bake, especially her famous Christmas cookies and Italian dishes during the holidays, which brought joy to countless family gatherings that we will always treasure. Her kitchen was always filled with a delicious aroma as she made countless meals for us with her loving hands. She loved gardening and enjoyed decorating. Joanne cherished time spent with family, especially her grandchildren, creating memories filled with love and laughter. Joanne was known for her kind and giving heart to everyone she knew. She found immense joy in babysitting children and her grandchildren out of her home, nurturing them with love and care. She enjoyed music and dancing. Even into her late 80’s, Joanne still played her Backstreet Boys and Nsync CD’s as the staff at Crandall would gather and dance right along with her. We greatly appreciated how the Crandall and Aultman Hospice staff went above and beyond caring for our beloved mother. 

 Final arrangements are being entrusted to Deans Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life Service honoring Joanne at Almost Home Event Center in Sebring, Ohio on Saturday, November 2nd from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with Hospice Chaplin Freddie Rodriguez officiating.