Joann L. Schanz

AUSTINTOWN – Joann L. Schanz, 90, passed away peacefully Monday morning, Aug. 24, 2026, at Austinwoods with her family by her side.

Joann was born July 27, 1936, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Pasquale and Mary (née Diana) Lucarell, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1954 graduate of THE Rayen School and worked at Petrie’s clothing store for several years before going to work at InfoCision in 1996, retiring in 2021after 25 years of service.

A woman of deep faith and service, Joann was a devoted member of St. Blaise Parish, St. Joseph Church, where she served on various committees and was active in volunteering for many church projects, including decorating the church for seasons and holidays.

Joann enjoyed walking, reading and drawing.

She left a lasting, positive impression on people she met because of her kindness, love, grace and optimism. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her family. Joann will always be remembered for her quiet soul, gentle spirit and the warmth she brought to every relationship.

Joann leaves to forever cherish her memory her son, Rick (Teresa) Schanz of Lordstown; eight grandchildren, Stephanie (Ted) Woolery, Kristopher Schanz, Ross Schanz, Courtney (Chris) Reppy, Patrick (Karli) Schanz, Michael Dowdell, Christina Dowdell and Sarah Warburton; three great-grandchildren, Eden, Zoey and Ryan; her sister, Barbara Zitkovich; her sister-in-law, Maryann Nanosky of South Carolina, formerly of Austintown; and many extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Joann was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Gilbert Edward “Eddie” Schanz, whom she married Aug. 3, 1957, and who passed away Jan. 4, 2026; her son, Edward John Schanz; her sisters, Minnie Long, Rosemary Lazar, Jeri Brennan, Patty Morella, Shirley Costas, Judy Connors, Annette Blair, Jean Braun and Anita Gieseler; her brothers, Patrick Lucarell and Baby Peter Lucarell; her sisters-in-law, LuAnn Schanz and Cheryl Schanz; and her brothers-in-law, Don Schanz and Michael Nanosky.

Family and friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at St. Blaise Parish, St. Joseph Church, 4545 New Road, Austintown. All are welcome to attend.

Joann’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, doctors and entire staff at Austinwoods for the past two years of their endless support and exceptional care in making Joann feel comfortable and at “home” while she was there, knowing she would never be able to return to her own home.