Joanne Josephine Sharell

Entered into eternal rest July 25, 2012

Our beautiful Joanne is finally at peace after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Joanne Josephine Messina, the oldest of five, to the late Violet and James Messina of Farrell, PA. Joanne graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in business education and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She met her husband, Jerry F. Sharell of Farrell, PA, when they were both in kindergarten. In June, they celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. Joanne and Jerry, a music industry veteran, laid down their roots in Woodland Hills, CA in the mid-1970‘s. Together they raised three loving and devoted children, Janine, Jerry Joseph, and Jeffrey. Joanne was a pillar of style, taste, elegance, and grace. An impeccable cook, she and her daughter, Janine, are the reigning first place champions of the St. Mel Chili Cook-Off. Joanne adored all things Italian -- the people, food, fashion, and traditions. She also cherished her jaunts to Palm Desert with dear friends, happy hours, shopping, dining out, singing and dancing in the kitchen, and big family dinners at home. In addition to her husband and children, Joanne is survived by her grandchildren, Brendan and Julianna Barlow; four devoted siblings, Rosalie (Tom) Knight; Kathy Garfoli; James (Kathy) Messina; and Shirley (Bill) Ruse; her mother-in-law, Helen Borawski; sister-in-law, Joanne (Rick) Boswell, as well as nieces, nephews, great nieces and cousins. A viewing will be held at Gates Kingsley & Gates in Canoga Park, CA on Wednesday, August 1st from 5-8PM(PT). The memorial service will be Thursday, August 2nd at 11AM(PT) at St. Mel Catholic Church in Woodland Hills, CA.