Joanne M. Sommers

Joanne M. Sommers, 90 ½ years old, passed away peacefully at the Mayfield Healthcare Center, on January 9, 2024. Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospice was also involved with her care. She was born on July 2, 1933, in the Collinwood area of Cleveland, Ohio, to James and Ernestine Sommers (both deceased). Joanne graduated from her Alma Mater, Villa Angela Academy, Cleveland, in May, 1952. After graduation, she went to St. Vincent's Charity and became an X-Ray Technician and worked there for a short time. Later, Joanne married Albert Turella (deceased, divorced) and became mother to Mark, Joseph, and Gia. After separating from Albert, she worked for the United States Attorney's Office in the Cleveland sector as a Legal Secretary and her job would have her travel to D.C. occasionally. Later, she worked for the Drug Enforcement Agency in the same building and stayed in that unit for 25+ years before retiring due to health reasons and a buy-out program - a true blessing! Joanne was a loving mother who enjoyed collecting and refinishing old antiques, baking, cooking, watching movies, going shopping, and taking long drives with her daughter. We were known as the "Patty Duke twins." In high school, she was Class Treasurer, planned weekly school liturgies, and sang in the school choir. In addition, she planned her 50th Class Reunion. She worshipped at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in her old neighborhood. Joanne is survived by her children: Mark, Joseph, and Gia, her siblings: Miss Joyce Sommers of Washington, D.C. and William (Sherry) Sommers of Pensacola, Florida, and their children: Jennifer (Zack) Tucker and Thomas Sommers; nieces and nephew to; Michael, Gina, and Diana Turella of Strongsville, Ohio, (Brother and Sister-in-law to: Peter & Mary Turella, both deceased); and dear cousin to Janet Santorelli of Cleveland. A celebration of Joanne's life will be held Saturday March 23rd at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Cleveland, Ohio, those attending, to enter left side door from back parking lot. Friends and family will be received at church from 9:00-10:00 am prior to Mass. Mourners will be able to meet the family in front of the church near the Baptismal Font. She was cremated and will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery. The internment will be private for family only.