JoAnne Mitchell Fuhrer, age 78, of Waterford, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at White House Health Care, White House, TN, following a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. She was born on January 7, 1948, to the late George and Harriet Kilbane Mitchell.
JoAnne was a graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School, where she attended with many of her life-long and treasured friends. The greatest love of her life was her two sons and their families. She loved her grandchildren and prayed for the family’s care and protection daily.
JoAnne was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterford. She was a devout Christian and lived her life by her favorite bible verse, Philippians 4:13. She always valued the opportunity she had to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
JoAnne was loved by many and made friends wherever life took her. She never lost her positive attitude and will be greatly missed.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents, George and Harriet Mitchell, and her sister Janet Cross. She is survived by her two sons – Mitchell (Cyndi) and Brad (Robyn); six grandchildren – Kyle (Ellie), Kassidy, Gwynne, Bradley, Jack and George; as well as many nieces and nephews. JoAnne always had a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephew – Marci, Tonya, and Tad Cross; her three childhood friends Linda McCall, Judy Amon, and Sally Taylor; and her godson Randy Amon.
Special thanks to all the staff at White House Health Care. They were more than caregivers, they became family.
Friends and family are invited to visiting hours at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Tuesday, March 3 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm officiated by Pastor Scott Taylor of the Waterford First Presbyterian Church. Committal service and burial will then follow at Waterford Cemetery East.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Erie Branch, 2115 W 8th St., Erie, PA 16505. Condolences may be shared at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
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Ron Oberlander says
February 28, 2026 at 1:11 amBrad – so sorry to hear about your mom. I will always remember her as the awesome mom as kids when we would be around. She was at every baseball game and was always cheering for all of us. She will be missed.
rebecca brown says
February 28, 2026 at 6:03 pmMy sympathy to all of Joanne’s family.
Becky Fuhrer Brown