Joann Wermes

JoAnn Wermes, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on May 20, 2023. JoAnn was the dearest daughter of the late Lorraine Wermes; loving sister of Janet Crismyre, Lori Grossmann, and Donna (Nick) Cecala; cherished aunt of Bobby (Charlotte) and Brian (Daniella) Crismyre, Jason (Ashley) and Kevin Grossmann, Melissa (Ryan) Gritt, and Haley, Nicole, and Luke Cecala. JoAnn was a loving great-aunt of four and a niece and cousin to many.

JoAnn was born and raised in the city of Chicago. She worked as a math teacher for high school students, providing both her knowledge of numbers and life to her students. Her true passion, though, lay with her faith. JoAnn was a devoted member of the Wright Bible Fellowship. She was extremely active in her faith, encouraging others through bible study with countless individuals, from family members to friends to acquaintances. Her loving nature extended to the furry felines she took into her home and the strays she was determined to find good homes for and feed every single morning. Many cats she rescued she found a place for at the Anti-Cruelty Society, other shelters, and kind homes. JoAnn was a woman always on the move and never in fear of where she was going. She found stillness and peace when swimming in Lake Michigan or at the YMCA, going for a run, riding her bike, and practicing yoga. When she wasn’t listening to the bible on audio, rock and roll music played through her phone or car speakers, volume turned up.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Wright Bible Fellowship at 4065 N. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, IL 60634, or to the Anti-Cruelty Society at 510 N. LaSalle Dr., Chicago, IL 60654.

Visitation will take place Thursday, June 1, from 3 to 8 pm (Prayer Service at 7 pm), at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL. The entombment will be a private gathering at Maryhill Mausoleum in Niles. For more information, please call 708-456-8300.