Jo-Ann Marie (Wisniewski) Warfield, wife of Gary Warfield, passed away peacefully at home on June 28 with her daughter, husband and close friend by her side. Jo-Ann was born in Jackson Heights, NY on December 24, 1954, the daughter of Joseph and Sophie (Tarabulski) Wisniewski. She was raised in Corona, Queens, NY where she attended St. Leo’s school and church.
After graduating from high school, she attended Broome County Community College and later graduated from Wilkes College. She and Gary were married in the bicentennial year, 1976 and celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on May 30. They began their life together in Bangor, Pa. where she worked for a short time as a teacher at St. Philip and James school in Phillipsburg, NJ. Gary’s job took him to Mt. Vernon, NY, and they subsequently moved to Flushing in 1979. Gary was called back to Pennsylvania in 1982 and they settled in Boyertown, where they spent the last 42 years. She worked at the National Bank of Boyertown and volunteered at Colebrookdale Elementary School.
In 1987 their “miracle child” Jessi was born and became their bright and shining light who helped sustain them through the difficult years ahead as Jo-Ann battled Multiple Sclerosis.
Although this terrible, relentless illness interfered with every aspect of her life, she showed a relentless determination to live a normal life. The courage, strength, and humor that she displayed (especially in the later stages) as she fought off this disease was an inspiration to all of us who knew her.
Jo-Ann leaves behind her husband, Gary; her daughter and son-in-law Jessi and Tyler Poley; her grandson Landon Poley; her brother-in-law Ken Warfield; niece and nephew Tara and Nathan (Jill) Warfield, along with a multitide of loving immediate and extended family members.
The family would like to thank all the Caregivers at Chestnut Knoll at Home who took such excellent care of Jo-Ann for many years. Many of them ultimately became friends and they brought so much more into our home than just their services.
There were also special friends who played a big part in supporting her through all her most difficult times. This “honor roll” of friends include Lyn Nicholson, Noreen Liptack, Terri Ballard, and Cousin Estelle Eberhardt.
Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 10AM to 11:30AM at Morrell Funeral Home 124 W. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown, PA 19512. A funeral service will follow at 11:30AM. Friends and family are invited and encouraged to attend the Celebration of Life and fellowship luncheon that will immediately follow at La Massaria at Bella Vista 2901 Fagleysville Rd Gilbertsville, PA 19525 where everyone can share a meal and stories about Jo-Ann’s life.
A family burial will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 10AM, at St. James Cemetery in Pleasant Mount, PA.
The family will welcome flowers or donations to the National MS Society https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or the charity of ones choice.
Joann and I became friends and would always laugh, about some of her special shirts and how her she lost her fight with her recliner. I will miss coming to see her and surprising her when I walk in the door.
she will always be in my heart.
Dearest Jessi,
I remember your Mom would come watch you sing at St Columbkill when our Children’s Choir sang.
It was obvious how much she loved you and was proud of your singing talent.
I send my deepest condolences to you and your entire family on this great loss.
Take good care and know that she is safe in God’s loving hands.
Gayle Fontaine