Joanne Hildenbrand Nagy

Joanne Hildenbrand Nagy (born as Johanna Elisabetha Sussanna Hildenbrand) beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted servant of the Lord, peacefully passed away on October 17, 2026, at the age of 87, after living with Alzheimer’s for several years.

Born in Franzfeld, Yugoslavia, Joanne was the youngest of three children born to Friederich and Elizabeth Hildenbrand. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Fred and Adam Hildenbrand. After surviving an ethnic cleansing concentration camp in Yugoslavia during World War II, her family moved to America in 1952 when she was 12 years old. She graduated from Emerson High School in New Jersey and then moved to Ohio. Joanne embodied kindness and faith from an early age, nurturing her love for Jesus Christ and exemplifying Christian values to all those around her.

Joanne is survived by her former husband, Josef Nagy. A loving mother and grandmother, Joanne leaves behind her three children, Evelyn (Tom) Pierce-Ruhland, Linda (Dave) Hric, and Edward (Kathy) Nagy, and her cherished 9 grandchildren, Brandon, Patrick, and Sydney Pierce-Ruhland; Nathan, Mirabella, and Abigail Hric; and Ben, Carson, and Julia Nagy; who brought her immeasurable joy.

Joanne was a member of Parkside Church for many years. Her faith in Jesus was her guiding light and she inspired everyone around her with her unyielding belief in God. She always spoke of her Lord with so much love. Joanne taught Sunday school and children’s choir for many years, sharing the scriptures and the love of Christ with countless children. She loved singing gospel hymns and playing them on the piano. Joanne made beautiful quilts that will be enjoyed by her family for years to come. She loved birds and enjoyed watching the birds come to her bird feeder. She also enjoyed reading and studying the Bible and lived by the truths found in God’s Word.

Joanne’s kindness extended beyond her family and church; she was a friend to many, offering her home and heart to anyone who needed support. She loved baking jellyrolls and cookies and sharing them with everyone. Her legacy of compassion and love for Jesus will live on in the lives she touched. She is now at peace; finally in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A special thank you goes to the wonderful nurses, aides, and staff at the Village of St. Edward in Wadsworth, Ohio for their compassionate care and kindness. They became like family over the past several years and treated Joanne with dignity and love.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.