Submitted by: Dan Rich

JoAnna Romeo

Jan. 22, 1934 - Sept .9, 2007

South Bend Tribune 9/11/2007

MISHAWAKA - JoAnna Romeo, 73, of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, September 9, 2007, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. JoAnna was born January 22, 1934, in South Bend, a daughter of the late Fred and Mildred (Hawke) Sperling.

On October 13, 1956, she married Joseph Romeo, and the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006. JoAnna was a retired crossing guard with the Mishawaka Police Department. She was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church. JoAnna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. JoAnna's surviving family includes her husband, Joseph; three daughters, Lori (Mike) Gaby, Toni Thornton and Julie (Dave) Strohl; two sons, Don Romeo and Fred Romeo; 10 grandchildren, Shawn (Melissa) Gaby, Joe (Monica) Gaby, Michael Gaby, Anthony Gaby, Katie Gaby, Patrick Romeo, Christopher Thornton, D.J. Strohl, Abby Strohl and Nikki Strohl; a great-grandchild, Kason Gaby; two sisters, Corinne (Irv) Hoffman and Teda Quimby; a sister-in-law, Julia (Sam) Viola; and many nieces and nephews. JoAnna was preceded in death by a brother, Sonny Sperling.

Friends may spend time with JoAnna's family on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third Street, Mishawaka. Visitation will also be Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the church, with Rev. Jeffery Largent officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Contributions in JoAnna's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice. JoAnna was loved by many friends and family and will be greatly missed by all.