JoAnn Wanamaker

JoAnn Wanamaker, 90, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Born June 30, 1936, JoAnn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was anchored by her deep love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

JoAnn carried herself with timeless class, glamour, and a sharp, witty sense of humor. She loved beautiful clothes, sparkling jewelry, and having her hair just right—earning her the affectionate nickname “Zsa Zsa” from her grandchildren.

There were little things that made JoAnn simply Mom and Grammy Jo. Her grandchildren will always remember that she was, in their words, the best backscratcher—a small but wonderfully personal expression of the comfort and care she gave so naturally.

Yet beyond her elegance and grace, what her family will cherish most is the way JoAnn made people feel. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel uniquely special, deeply loved, thought of, and faithfully prayed for. She met life with optimism and faith, often reminding those around her, “Never say never,” and, “This too shall pass.”

JoAnn is survived by her loving husband, Gary Wanamaker; her children, Peggy (Rick) Barry, Mike (Cathy) O’Neill and Shannon (Anthony) Pernice; Gary’s sons, David (Anne) Wanamaker and Stephen (Kristin) Wanamaker, and their children; her sister, Joyce Sorth; sister-in-law, Gerry Harding; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Vera Harding; her brother, Jim Harding; and her sister, Jane Leibach.

The family is especially grateful for the extraordinary love and care JoAnn received from her wonderful caregiver and dear friend, Charlotte Fristoe. Charlotte’s compassion, friendship, and devotion brought comfort and joy to JoAnn and meant so much to her entire family. The family is also deeply grateful to the Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care team for the exceptional care, kindness, dignity, and compassion they provided. Their support during JoAnn’s final days was a profound gift to JoAnn and to all who loved her.

A celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 12501 West 137th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66221, on Friday, September 25, at 1:00 p.m. Please join us for a reception immediately following the service as we gather together to celebrate JoAnn’s remarkable life, her enduring faith, and the love she shared with so many.

JoAnn’s warmth, faith, and unforgettable presence leave a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care or Colonial Presbyterian Church of Overland Park, Kansas, in JoAnn’s memory.