Livonia: At age 78, Joanne passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY. She was born on December 13, 1946, in Rochester, NY to the late Albert and Virginia Johnson. Joanne is predeceased by her son, Stefan Schroeder. Survived by her beloved husband, Arnold Palmer, her daughter, Melyssa (Daniel Nahum) Schroeder, her siblings, Russ Johnson, Pati Johnson, Mike (Kim) Johnson, Barbara (Rob) Burnside, and Chris Johnson, her grandson, Alexander Lembke, and her former son-in-law, Gerry Lembke, along with several, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joanne was a person you would not forget after one meeting. She was hilariously funny, quick-witted, and always wore purple. Upon asking how she was, she would always say, “I’m rotten. How are you?”
Joanne understood that in life, we should be of service to others and our Earth. She was a debt counselor at CCCS, helping people in the office and the community. She was on her local planning board for over 30 years. She was a proud member of her local Eastern Star chapter. Yet, her biggest love was being a youth leader. Her greatest joy was being a second mom to many kids, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. She was a proud ally.
Joanne loved sci-fi, the arts, cats, baking bread, being a comedian in her own mind, and her family and friends. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Friends and family are invited to call from 4-6 PM on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street in Livonia, where Joanne’s memorial service will immediately follow at 6 PM. Interment will take place privately at Union Cemetery on Big Tree Road in Livonia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hearthside Cats, PO Box 282, Geneseo, NY 14454. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Melyssa: I am surprised by how many times I sing to myself, “Down By the Creekbank by the old holler log….” when I’m outside working in the yard. That time in church choir gave me long-lasting cheerful tunes that I have never forgotten……nor the fun times we had, with your Mom leading the choir. She was funny and fun to be around. How did she manage all of us kids at once?! Just an example of what a tremendous woman and person she was. XOXOXOXO
Joanne was a one-in-a-billion person who positively touched the lives around her. I think of often because of that influence and am challenged to live as she did.
Joanne was one unique individual who took joy in people. As a fellow choir member I remember her doing solo work and bringing joy with her voice. She handled her heart aches with dignity and while seeking independence with home repairs she managed to do bodily harm (broken leg?). Joanne never gave up or let life circumstances keep her down. Find that peace you are so worthy of Joanne. Sending condolences to family.
My teenage years would have been very different without her support and craziness at Youth Group. I think of her when I see purple.
I’m so sorry for your loss! Aunt Joanne was an amazing person and is a huge influence in the person l am today. I feel blessed that I was able to grow up with her in my life. I will miss seeing her when I visit NY and hearing that incredible laugh! She is still the only person in the world allowed to call me “Pammy” lol! She will always be in my heart.
Oh My God. I am so sorry for your loss-she was one of my bestest life-long pal. She will be missed by all who knew her, especially by my family.
That is a very nice tribute to your mom. I hope you are doing well.
As a mom to 4 who went on the trips with the UMCL youth group I can attest to her love of youth. She truly loved even the more challenging youth (they remain nameless). I was a driver for several trip. She dubbed me VanDerMom and I drove the vandervan.
She sang in the choir for many years.
Rest in peace Joanne
What a beautiful person inside and out! I was so happy to see her at the Monroe High School 60th Reunion! My daughter was my date and immediately connected with your Mom! She is a treasure and will be missed!
Great memories with Joanne from Monroe High School. May she Rest In Peace!! Many happy memories.
Boy, what can I say about Joanne she definitely will be missed. I’m sorry we didn’t keep in contact when she left CCCS. But I can tell this she was a knowledgeable women when it came to knowing about credit counseling. It’s funny people who were clients still remember her LOL. So sleep on my dear rotten co-worker (LOL) you did your job well done.