JoAnne M. Wrobel

JoAnne M. Wrobel, age 68, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on November 11, 2022.  JoAnne, daughter of Joseph J. and Alice E. (Burke) Wrobel, was born in Holyoke, MA.  JoAnne was a graduate of Holyoke High School and later attended Holyoke Community College where she received her Business Administration Associate’s degree and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa.  For over 30 years, JoAnne worked in the manufacturing industry as a Logistics and Transportation Manager for National Blank Book, Avery Dennison, Specialty LooseLeaf and Intelicoat Technologies.  She later worked at Holyoke Community College for 10 years before retiring in 2021. JoAnne, was a warm and welcoming face at the Kittredge Center for Business & Community Services. She was passionate about helping others and was proud to have created and started a food pantry at HCC as well as having organized the Dress for Success Closet for students.  She was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church and former Holy Family Parish where she was a CCD teacher for many years. JoAnne was also a Volunteer Coordinator for the former Holyoke Giants, a Boy Scout Den Leader, and a volunteer for many athletic teams in support of her grandchildren.

Known as “Nana” to all, JoAnne was a beautiful soul; independent, strong, fierce, and a selfless woman who always put others' well-being before her own.  Nana cared, opening her doors to many during her journey in life. She lent a listening ear without hesitation, having hard conversations that guided her loved ones in the right direction without fail. She was known by all to be “genuine” and “one of a kind”. Nana’s acts of kindness were selfless; her soul was filled with happiness just knowing she made someone’s day better. Her smile was contagious, her little wave of the hand was heartfelt, and her tiny pinches and kisses on the cheek were priceless. If you were lucky enough to come in contact with Nana, you were touched by an angel.  Her beautiful soul, kind heart, strong faith, and determination to stand up for others’ rights made her unique and fearless.

Nana’s most cherished moments included becoming a mother and grandmother, and she was the BEST mother and grandmother anyone could ask for. She loved her mother, daughter and grandchildren with all of her heart and soul.  Her world revolved around them.  Nana cherished every moment she shared with them, even if it was a simple car ride to Dunkin’. Every conversation and every minute of time spent together mattered.

JoAnne was a loyal daughter who loved her mother dearly and cared for her so much. Like Alice, JoAnne was strong-willed and determined. JoAnne and Alice were attached at the hip and enjoyed spending their time together going to the movies.

JoAnne was a proud mother that had limitless love for her daughter, Allison.  JoAnne loved spending time with Allison.  She was her best friend and, by her own example, taught Allison to be a strong, independent woman.  She would always tell her that “no one can ever take away what you’ve earned and worked hard for - don’t ever forget that, you’ve accomplished it!”

Nana loved her grandson, Nicolas dearly; he was her boy! She was there when he came into this world and loved him with all of her being since day one. JoAnne was a special grandmother who was very involved in raising and supporting her grandson. She was his Ma; she had his back and protected him through the ups and downs, accomplishments and sorrows, she was always there.  She attended every single game despite the weather and life; she made the time to be present and was right there on the sidelines cheering him on. Nana battled through storms to make sure Nick would be successful in life and she is so proud of him. She will continue to guide him with her lessons, in spirit.

JoAnne’s granddaughter Madison was her right hand, her ride or die!  Nana loved Maddy like no other. Nana was her sounding board whenever she needed an ear. Nana loved watching her play sports, especially basketball. She would be on the sidelines cheering her on yelling “Get it, get it, get it, go Maddy!” Those two would always be up to something, whether it be secret conversations or planning last minute trips - they were two peas in a pod. Nana was and is so proud of Maddy and wishes she could attend one more season of basketball and scream her name at her college graduation this year. She was so proud and knew Maddy would achieve anything she set her mind to.

JoAnne was a friend to all; a friend who not only touched your heart but your soul. She never judged anyone because she was judged all her life for being unique.  She was a rare individual who genuinely and without hesitation gave all she had to others.  She knew she was here on the planet earth to make a difference in people's lives and she did just that; touching many, caring selflssly and making others’ lives better. Her family’s greatest hope was that she knew how much others loved her and how much she made a difference in people’s lives.

JoAnne is survived by her daughter, Allison M. Wrobel; two grandchildren, Nicolas Gutierrez and Madison Gutierrez; and her two beloved dogs, Sadie and Cooper. A prayer service will be held on Tuesday November 15 at 12:30pm in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Visitation will be held prior from 10:30am to 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of JoAnne to the WillPower Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 1244, Northampton, MA 01061-1244 or click here to submit donations.

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