Joanne Marie Arnett

Arnett, Joanne Marie Aged 82, of Clearwater, Florida passed peacefully, with family at her side on May1, 2015. She was born on March 6, 1933 in Lockport, New York. (near Niagara Falls) Her parents were the late Leo Vincent Schorb and Ida Marie Baudendistel-Schorb. She was raised on her parents farm in North Tonawanda, New York and graduated from Buffalo State College majoring in Elementary Education. She was married to John Ryerson Arnett in Cape Cod, Massachusetts on August 31, 1955. They were happily married for 29 years, until his unexpected passing in November of 1984. He was a "proud member" of the United States Air Force for 20 years. They went on to live in Cape Cod MA, Syracuse, NY, San Bernardino CA Caribou ME, Evreux, France. Salinas, KS Goldsborough, N.C. and finally to Clearwater, Florida where they continued to raise their children. They particularly treasured the three and a half years they lived in France, camping in the French Alps visiting Normandy, many museums and historical sites. They also toured England, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Germany and Italy when the children were young. They always claimed they were the "Best years of our lives." Joanne was a teacher for a few years, then chose to be a stay at home Mom to her Daughters. Karen Arnett-Heymann Los Altos, California. Melissa Arnett-Pullara of Safety Harbor, Florida and Holly Arnett-Hargett of Clearwater, Florida. She was a Cherished Grandmother to Caitlin O' Connor also of Safety Harbor and Matthew Heymann of Los Altos, CA. She was pre-deceased by her son in law Steven Heymann (formerly of Wilton, Connecticut) Los Altos, California. She also leaves behind two Sons in law, Michael Hargett and Peter Pullara. She had a love of reading which she instilled in her family. Her friends would tell you she was very intelligent and could speak on a vast range of subjects. She enjoyed collecting coins, postage stamps, growing flowers and working in her yard. There were many summers spent tent camping with her kids in the Smokey Mountains, building camp fires and taking them to all of the sites in Washington D.C. and every battle field and Museum she could locate. She didn’t stop there. She also had an adventurous spirit, which took her to 46 of the United States, including a trip to Hawaii just a few years ago. During her life she also visited several parts of Canada, Mexico City and the Yucatan Peninsula. She climbed to the top of the "Pyramid of the Sun" in Taxco with her daughters. Go ahead and google it. It’s no small feat! Although she didn’t care much for swimming, she spent more weekends than she could count, with her toes in the sand at a close family friend’s cottage on Clearwater Beach. That location was leveled for condos a few years back. She was sad that “our part” of the beach, had to grow along with progress. She had been a Girl Scout Leader and a member of the PTA at her kid’s schools. She was proud to be an American and every year she enjoyed going to the military air shows at Mac Dill Air Force Base to watch the USAF Thunderbirds maneuvers. She looked forward to her annual trips to New England, Nova Scotia and Niagara Falls to see Relatives, former High School and College Friends. When her Granddaughter was just 7 years old, she drove the two of them to California and went site seeing. (just because she could). Like any Mother she was always proud of her Children and Grandchildren. She was also an animal lover and over the years she had a few pets and animals gravitated to her. She taught her children, to enjoy foods from around the globe and holidays will never be the same without her… We will miss her perfect pie crust, French Stew, homemade Molasses Cookies, Easter Ham with cloves and brown sugar, Thanksgiving Dressing and Pate` en Croute with Champagne on New Years Eve! We will continue to serve and enjoy them, as we make a toast to her well lived life. While her physical presence will be sadly missed, she will continue to live in our memories and hearts forever. She was well loved! Visitation will be Sunday May 24 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home 2853 Sunset Point Road Clearwater, Fl. Funeral Services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Light of Christ Church 2176 Marilyn St, Clearwater, FL In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Suncoast Hospice. Thank you!