Joanne E. Burge's Obituary
Joanne Burge passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, at New Life Hospice at the age of 93.
She was born on December 9, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Chris and Helen (née Nemeth) Schmidt. Joanne graduated from North Olmsted High School and continued her education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and met her husband.
Following graduation, Joanne began her career at Ohio Bell. She later devoted many years to being a loving homemaker before returning to the workforce with Avon City Schools, where she worked as a librarian and in the cafeteria. She enjoyed staying active in her community and spent many happy hours at the Senior Centers in Avon, Avon Lake, and Westlake.
Joanne found great joy in playing Mahjong with friends, bird watching, and watching game shows. She especially loved spending her winters in Texas. Blessed with a sharp and inquisitive mind, she remained mentally vibrant throughout her life.
She is survived by her son, Daniel (Jackie) Burge; granddaughters, Sonya and Mariah; five great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy, in 2019; parents, Chris and Helen Schmidt; and her sister, Regina Limpert.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, Ohio 44001. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral center. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Joanne’s memory to the Friendship Animal Protective League, 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.
Online condolences may be left for the family at https://www.dovinreberjones.com.
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