Joanna Leora Herrick

Joanna L. Herrick, 88, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020. She was born in Miami County, IN on June 3, 1931 to the late Walter and Catherine (Birk) Brower. She lived in Twelve Mile, IN and Detroit, MI before settling in Fort Wayne in the 1950’s. She married Ned M. Herrick on August 25, 1968. They enjoyed over twenty-five happy years together until his death in 1996. She was a beautician by trade and participated in the Naval Fleet Reserve and the United Brethren Women’s Missionary Society. Ever a faithful servant of the Lord, she was a long-term member of Third Street United Brethren Church and Anchor Community Church. Joanna and Ned enjoyed giving parties at their family farm where she was the leader of the famous bubble parades and the face painter extraordinaire. Known as the neighborhood candy lady, her glass candy dish was always well stocked with jelly fruit slices and mini chocolate bars. If she didn’t answer the doorbell, you could find her busy working in her garden with her beautiful flowers. Known for her fabulous baking skills, she was the teacher at the Grandchildren’s School of Sugar Cookie Baking where all her grandchildren learned to roll dough evenly and maintain patience while waiting to eat the fruits of their labor. Her constant creativity produced beautiful paintings and sewing projects that family and friends could enjoy. A friend to animals and nature, she loved to feed the birds and the squirrels in her yard. A lady of impeccable taste, she had an extensive hat collection of which she was very proud and was a member of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed staying active by taking daily walks or doing water aerobics with her friends at the Y. On Saturday nights, you could find her eating popcorn and ice cream for dinner while watching TV – she especially loved Christmas movies. Joanna was known for her feisty spirit, contagious positive attitude, and undiscriminating love. She never met a stranger and was a blessing to all who had the privilege to know her. She is survived by a son, Jeffrey A. (Raye) Jacobs; daughter, Jill L. (Stephen) Sosenheimer; and was blessed with six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennie M. (Brian) Decker; and siblings, Raymond Brower, Deloris Knight, Marlene Reed, and Audra Roberts. A private family funeral service will take place with burial to follow at Lindenwood Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. Memorials in Joanna’s memory may be made to Anchor Community Church. To leave condolence for the family, please visit www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com.