Joanne Marie Pearring

Joanne Marie Pearring passed peacefully on Sunday, March 22, in Annandale, Virginia, after a long and courageous thirteen-year journey with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She was surrounded by the love of her four children—just as she had surrounded so many others with love throughout her life.

Joanne was born on June 8, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, to John Kennedy Campbell and Anna May Campbell (née Beeson), She was the eldest of three children: her younger brothers James Joseph Campbell and John Thomas Campbell predeceased her. She attended St. Cecelia’s grade school and Bishop Conaty high school, both located in Los Angeles. Joanne’s life was one rooted in devotion, faith, and enduring love. It was in Los Angeles that she met the love of her life, Lt. Col. Jerome Richard Pearring, USAF—her beloved “Jerry.” Their love blossomed quickly, and after Jerry entered the United States Air Force, they were married in Wiesbaden, Germany on May 12, 1956. Together, they built a life defined by deep partnership, unwavering commitment, and 66 beautiful years of marriage.

Joanne was preceded in death by Jerry in 2022, a loss she carried with quiet strength. Together, they raised four children: Mary Anne Desrosier (Brian), Theresa Renee Flach (Mike), Jerry Pearring Jr. (Mildred), and Stephen John Pearring (Donna). Her legacy continues through her thirteen cherished grandchildren—Clare Flach, Harry Lengsfield, Emily Bowman (Peyton), Kelly Krieger (Peter), Michael Flach (Blair), Regan Fadling (Sean), Katie Hunzeker (Will), Joseph Pearring (Megan), Jordan Pearring, Monica Pearring, Madison Connors (Trip), Anna Flach, and Janine Pearring—who lovingly knew her as “Mema,” a name spoken with deep affection. She was also the proud and adoring great-grandmother of Duke and Kennedy Bowman, Campbell, Canaan and Claire Krieger and Charlie and William Pearring.

Joanne was the heart and steady center of her family, especially throughout the many moves that came with Jerry’s military service. With grace and resilience, she created a sense of home wherever life took them. In August 1971, they settled in Annandale, Virginia, where they built a lasting home filled with warmth, laughter, and belonging for nearly 55 years. As her children left the nest, Joanne built a second career spanning almost 20 years as an executive assistant for Kelly Services.

Her greatest joy—her life’s true work—was the family she and Jerry created. Guided by a deep and abiding Catholic faith, Joanne lived with intention, kindness, and devotion. As active members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, she and Jerry found both community and purpose. She served as an Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Minister as well and was an active member of the Saint Michaels Catholic Church Lazarus Bereavement Committee for many years. Together, Jerry and Joanne made memories traveling across the country, most often gathering with loved ones in California, the Outer Banks, and Maine—moments Joanne treasured most when she could simply witness the love shared among her family. Recently during a particularly rambunctious and populated Sunday family dinner, she looked around and said with pride, “Look at all that Jerry and I created!”

Joanne gave of herself freely and fully. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a loyal friend. Joanne was active in her community and had a large circle of friends she met with often for bridge, bunco or a First Friday breakfast. She had a gift for connections. She truly saw people, listened deeply, and made each person feel remembered and valued. Whether through a handwritten note, a phone call, or a simple message, Joanne stayed close to those she loved. Her home was always open—a place of comfort, conversation, and unconditional welcome.

She was, in every sense, the glue that held her family together—and her love will continue to bind them, always.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Little Sisters of the Poor, 4200 Harewood Road, NE, Washington, DC 20017-1554 or at https://littlesistersofthepoorwashingtondc.org/donate/ .