Joanne M. (Juratovac) Tomchak

Joanne M. (Juratovac) Tomchak, age 86 of Mentor, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Vista Springs Quail Highlands, Concord Twp., with her family by her side. She was born on November 11, 1938, in Cleveland to Joseph and Anne Juratovac. The second of eight children, Joanne had a love of family, was deeply faithful, and was unparalleled in the kitchen. Mrs. Tomchak enjoyed several careers, including waitress at a diner on Public Square, elementary school teacher at St. Aloysius in Cleveland and later at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Wickliffe. She shared her love of history as a staff member at Lawnfield, the former residence of President James A. Garfield. Most recently, Joanne retired from a long career as a bridal consultant for Galleria Gowns. To accommodate their growing family, Joanne and Rich moved from Willowick to Mentor, where she lived for fifty years. Joanne was a longtime member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Mentor. She enjoyed her service as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, distributing the Eucharist, and as a member of the Bereavement committee. Joanne and her husband Rich manned the funnel cake booth during the annual St. Mary’s festival. Mrs. Tomchak was a den mother, chauffeur, caregiver, head cook, laundress, educator, and confidant to many. Of most importance was her family, her husband, children, and grandchildren. Joanne’s grandchildren were her joy, and much to their parents' chagrin, they could do no wrong. Survivors include her children: Christine A. Tomchak, Dr. David J. (Ann Marie) Tomchak, Joseph (Jane) Tomchak, Suzanne M. (Thomas) Turk, Thomas M. (Jennifer) Tomchak, and Dr. Amy T. (Paul) Parrish; grandchildren: John Tomchak, Dr. Kimberly Tomchak, Claire Tomchak, Jason (Nicole Gattozzi) Turk, Katie and Amy Tomchak, and Stephen and Lily Parrish; siblings: Catherine (Jack) Thrane, Marie (Jeff Benbow) Ciarlillo, Donna Juratovac, Anne Juratovac, and Richard “Dick” (Peggy) Juratovac; sister-in-law: Lee Juratovac; Joseph’s fiancée: Judy Price and many nieces, nephews and dear friends: Betty Delli, Samia Bishara, and Mike and Rini Spino. Preceding Joanne in death are her husband of 44 years, Richard A. “Rich” Tomchak; parents, Joseph and Anne Juratovac; and brothers, Joseph Juratovac and Thomas (Linda) Juratovac. The family will receive friends from 2:00–8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 8560 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please meet at the church. Interment will be in All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, OH. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Vista Springs Quail Highlands for the loving care they provided Joanne. Because Joanne and Richard deeply believed in the value of education, contributions can be made in Joanne’s memory to the “Richard Tomchak Memorial Endowed Scholarship” via The Lakeland Foundation online or by mailing a check made payable to: The Lakeland Foundation, 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland, OH 44094. Please include Joanne’s name in the memo line. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Joanne M. (Juratovac) Tomchak

November 11, 1938 - April 19, 2025