JoAnne M. Lehr, age 83, of Traverse City, was called home on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
JoAnne was known for her kind heart and gentle soul; she will be dearly missed. She cared deeply for her Catholic faith, family, and friends.
JoAnne was married for 36 years to her soul mate and best friend, Norm, who preceded her in death. JoAnne’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. From growing up in a large family and as a mother of three, a stepmom, mother-inlaw, grandmother and great grandmother, she was the heart of her family. Her kitchen was always the gathering place for dinners, holidays and celebrations. JoAnne had a knack for remembering every birthday, anniversary and important date in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, never failing to send a handwritten card or make a call. She had a creative mind; she enjoyed many arts such as painting and music as well as cooking and entertaining with family. She enjoyed traveling and seeing new places, she especially loved exploring the West but always looked forward to returning home where she had a deep connection with the beautiful waters and country landscape of Northern Michigan. She loved watching sunsets, visiting beaches and listening to the sounds of the water. She appreciated the variety each season offered, as she enjoyed her morning coffee on the porch overlooking the pastures of horses, surrounded by wildlife and country views.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert A. Wamsley; second husband, Norman B. Lehr; son, Rick A. Wamsley; parents: Louis & Barbara (Miller) DeNoyer; siblings: Joyce Fitch, Louis (Grace) DeNoyer, Raymond DeNoyer, Alice (Herman) Ullery, Maxine (Donald) Norton, Eileen Kalchik; and brother-inlaw, Donald Swaney.
She is survived by her children: Scott ( Jennifer) Wamsley, Michell (Mark) Susz; grandchildren: Spencer Wamsley, Zachary Wamsley, Morgan Susz, Maylin Susz; stepchildren: Charmin (Chad) McCracken, Scott (Toni) Lehr, Leana Lehr (Kevin Schlueter); step-grandchildren: Josh, JD (Jessica), Linda, Charlotte (Josh), Cameron (Audrey), Lydia; great grandchildren: William, Evelyn, Matthew; sister, Jeanette Swaney; siblings-in-law: Judy DeNoyer, Ivan Kalchik; and many nieces, and nephews.
Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 North Cedar Street, Traverse City. Family will welcome visitors one hour prior to Mass from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Private family burial will be held in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given in JoAnne’s honor to the Traverse City Fire Department, 500 W. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684; to the Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings Street, Traverse City, MI 49686, or online at https://www.fatherfred.org/donate/.
