Joanne M. Francis

Joanne M. Francis, age 81, passed away August 14, 2026, in Newbury, Ohio. She was born June 1, 1945, in Cleveland to Angelo Dilo and Yolanda (Fantine) May.

Joanne was a lifelong area resident and homemaker who enjoyed baking, puzzles, art, games, and crafts. She married her husband, Richard Francis, on October 13, 1962, and they were married 57 years before his passing in 2019. Their son, Robert, was their pride and joy. Joanne enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom, being active in the parent-teacher organizations at school, watching Bob play sports, and she even used to drive Bob and his friends to the 80’s rock concerts at the Richfield Coliseum, where she and her mother-in-law enjoyed time in the parent lounge!

Joanne also enjoyed watching Cleveland Cavaliers games and cheering for the Chardon Hilltoppers. Her greatest joys later in life were related to spending time with her grandchildren: hosting sleepovers, taking them to area attractions, attending their sporting and school events and spoiling them in every way. She was very proud of all their accomplishments. One of her favorite family traditions each year was going to see the different Christmas light displays in the Cleveland area. Joanne loved to talk to friends and family on the phone as well as out in public, making many friends along the way.

Joanne is survived by her son, Robert (Kathryn) Francis of Chardon; grandsons, Sam Francis and Will Francis; sister Darlene Schuler of Florida, brother in-law Allen (Pam) Francis of Mentor, niece Tammie Russ of Eastlake and nephew Timmy Francis of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard R. Francis; her parents, sister Connie Lisk, and her in-laws Virginia and William Poorbaugh.

Friends will be received on Saturday, August 22 from 10-11 am at Zion Lutheran Church at 508 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, Ohio. A memorial service for Joanne will be held immediately after the calling hours at 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church. A luncheon will follow the service at Zion. A private burial will be at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chesterland at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Reserve Care Hospice or Zion Lutheran Church in Painesville.