Joanne Donnelly, age 76, of Parma, Ohio, passed away July 22, 2023. She was born October 22, 1946, in Fairview, Ohio, to the late Joseph and Geraline (nee Senick) Seme.

Joanne, Jo Jo as she was lovingly known by her caregivers at Pearlview and Willowood, always had a love for animals. At a young age she played cowboys and Indians just so she could pretend to ride a horse. Those cowgirl dreams came true when she and her husband started a successful Arabian Show Horse business. Joanne would go on to continue her love of animals and was never without a beloved BIG dog. One of her dogs, Sadie, graced the poster of her beloved Cleveland Browns. Joanne was a devoted season ticket holder for many years. She also loved lighthouses and would take that love of the water and learn to Captain her own boat. Joanne never met a stranger and had a knack for making people smile, those skills came in handy as she went on to work at and eventually own her own bar. For those fortunate enough to attend her many gatherings, Joanne would always cook a feast for all. She never lost her love of throwing a party; her daughters often comment that anytime you visit her she's talking about plans for the next one.

Left to cherish Joanne's memory are her daughters, Lisa (Paul) Backo, Melissa "Missi" (Steve) Nemeth, and Josette "Joei" (Ron) Elkadi; grandchildren, Jessica Roberts, Paul Backo, and Emily Backo; and sister, Barbara Seme. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Diane (Lenny) Kalina.

The family will welcome guests from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 3300 Center Road, Brunswick, Ohio. A funeral service will take place at 10:00 am at the funeral home on Friday, July 28, 2023. Joanne will be laid to rest at Eastlawn Memory Gardens in Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cleveland Area Chapter of Alzheimer's Association in memory of Joanne Donnelly, visit: http://www.alz.org/cleveland/about_us for more information.

Please share condolences with Joanne's family on her tribute page at www.waitefuneralhome.com.