JoAnn Avery 1942-2025

She was born Feb. 20, 1942, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Michael and Josephine Jackobec Skurich, and a 1960 graduate of Struthers High School. JoAnn was a member of the National Honor Society, president of the choir and member of the school quintet.

JoAnn worked as a long-distance operator for Ohio Bell and later worked for AT&T in consumer products. She raised and showed Shetland sheepdogs and had multiple champions, and also judged many shows. JoAnn volunteered at the VA clinic and the Butler Institute of American Art Gift Shop. She also was in the St. Luke’s choir for 18 years and was co-chair of the school festival.

JoAnn enjoyed singing, gardening, drawing and making Christmas decorations. She was a true sports fan of all Cleveland sports teams and Ohio State.

Joann leaves her children, Trudy and Paul Avery; granddaughter, Sarah Maxwell; brother, Mike (Monica) Skurich; nieces, Shannon, Kristi, Mary, Erin and Lauren; nephews, John, Michael and Matthew; and many other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Clark Avery; daughter, Tammy Maxwell; sister, Bev Zetts; brother-in-law, Rich Zetts; brother-in-law, John; and sister-in-law, Kathy Avery.

Calling hours are 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road, Poland.

A prayer service will be 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Oct 7, 2025, at the funeral home, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Church, Poland.

Interment will take place in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Amanda and Hospice House for their compassionate care of their mom.

This obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to www.higgins-reardon.com.

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