JoAnn Swierz 1938-2026

JoAnn was born July 11, 1938, in Youngstown, a daughter of Michael and Mary Lutz Vrabel.

She was a proud 1956 graduate of Struthers High School and lived in the Struthers area all of her life.

JoAnn married the love of her life, Anthony Joseph Swierz Jr., on June 28, 1958, and they shared 44 years of marriage until his passing on Sept. 20, 2002.

JoAnn always gave of herself unselfishly working and enjoying time with co-workers and proud of every job given to her. JoAnn worked for the Mahoning County Courthouse, Strouss Department Store in the payroll department, and Mahoning County Training Associates, working in job placement until her retirement.

Her Catholic faith was very important to her growing up in a Byzantine Rite home, strengthened by family in the Russian Orthodox faith, and becoming Roman Catholic before marrying her husband. Ethnic religious devotions were reflected in her life and passed on to her family. Her love for God and the Blessed Mother was the guiding spirit that enabled her to stay in the boat and survive any storm that would come her way. As her family and close friends, we take comfort knowing life has changed and not ended, and she sees what we believe.

JoAnn was of the Catholic faith and found joy in working with many church organizations. She was involved in many school activities at St. Rose Church. At Holy Family Parish she was a member of the Altar Guild and the Third Source Committee, making kolachi as well as working with the school. At St. Christine’s, she was a member of the Infant Jesus of Prague Guild and helped with their festival. JoAnn was also a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, festival activities, pierogi making and bingo at St. Joseph the Provider, along with working concession stands for the basketball games, fundraisers and supporting the student activities at St. Joseph the Provider School. At St. Patrick Church in Hubbard, she made pierogi, worked the church festival, was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and worked with the Meatball Holy Rollers and stuffed cabbage and other activities.

Through the years her son’s friends became family, always welcome to Tony and JoAnn’s home, growing together in friendship throughout the years.

She was very proud of her Christmas cookies and baking and carrying on the tradition of Easter blessed food.

Her greatest joy was being a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. As she grew older, she loved being everyone’s BaBa, and all who knew her loved her infectious smile and laughter as she took countless pictures remembering and recording every special moment in life.

She most recently worshiped with family and friends at The Good Shepherd Parish in West Middlesex.

JoAnn was very involved in her grandchildren’s sporting events, especially softball. She enjoyed picnics and trips on Sundays after church to Berlin Lake and family vacations at the Outer Banks. She loved being around her family, friends and her traditions. In her younger years, JoAnn loved spending time with her group of friends, known as the”Sisterhood,” which included friends Marie Harrison, Donna Antal, Annie Clemente, Maryanne Rosetti and Helen Williot. As the years went on, her “Sisterhood” group was Marie Harrison, Martha Slavatore, Betty Simchick, Dorothy Stellmar, Margie Wellendorf and Pat Tirpack. These lifelong friends stuck together and never wavered through all the good and bad times!

JoAnn will be deeply missed and always remembered by her children, Father Michael Swierz of Poland, Tom Swierz of Amherst, Ron (Michelle LaLama) Swierz of Boardman and Anthony (Jody Blinsky) Swierz III of Deerfield; grandchildren, Cheryl Swierz, Christina (Lee) Hunt, Rebecca (Steve) Margevicius, Alicia (fiance, Michael Sites) Swierz and Anthony (fiancee, Amanda Crase) Swierz IV; great-grandchildren, Claire, Jacob, Joanna, Michael, Sophia, Aubry and Logan; her brothers-in-law, Larry (Shelly) Swierz and John Giannini; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Anthony; her sister, Betty Zelina; her brother, Robert Vrabel; and sister-in-law, Carol Giannini.

The Swierz family has entrusted JoAnn’s care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at the funeral home.

Additional calling hours at the funeral home will be 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, followed by a prayer service at 12:15 p.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Youngstown.

JoAnn will be laid to rest next to her husband and also surrounded by countless friends in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cemetery in Lowellville.

Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

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