Joan B. Schwebel 1928-2019

Joan was born June 25, 1928, in Youngstown, to parents Irene and Samuel J. Schwebel. She graduated from Rayen High School.

Most of her career was with the Mahoning County Clerk of Courts. After her retirement in the 1980s, she embarked on another career that involved her love of cooking. She became a caterer for individuals and groups and was known for her famous hot peppers, which she sold and shipped throughout the United States.

Joan was a loving, caring, thoughtful person, and, if she could do a favor, she was more than willing to do it. She helped people find jobs and get help with school tuition. She supervised in a church lunch program for the local needy community. She helped in any way she could — shopping for clothes at a bargain price for good friends, cooking favorite meals for people, taking food to those who were sick.

She took particular joy in inviting family and friends to her home for the Jewish holidays. She made everything from scratch, including the gefilte fish, which she made from walleye purchased in Cleveland. She believed her grandmother’s advice, “When you start with good ingredients, the food comes out better.” She was part of a circle of loving, caring people who started a picnic group at her suggestion. She worried about her friends and family, and many called her just to check in so she would know that they were OK.

She is survived by her sister, Audrey.

She was predeceased by her parents, Irene and Sam, as well as many aunts and uncles from both sides of the family.

Services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at The Children of Israel Cemetery, 430-566 Granada Ave., Youngstown.

Those wishing to contribute in Joan’s memory may send donations to The Children of Israel, 3970 Logan Way, Youngstown, OH 44505, the Bummer Fund, 269 Redondo Road, Youngstown, OH 44504, or a charity of choice.

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