JoAnn Suesser Guilianelli

JoAnn Suesser Guilianelli, age 80, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at her son’s home surrounded by her loving family after a short illness. 

She was born on September 15, 1944, in Erie, to the late George and Beatrice “Betty” (Tansey) Suesser.

After her graduation from Strong Vincent High School in 1962, she would further her education with a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro State University. In 1966, JoAnn started teaching at Burns Elementary School and would retire in 2015 from Luther Memorial Academy. She loved her teaching experiences over her 41-year career. JoAnn enjoyed time with her beloved family, traveling, social activities and making wonderful memories with her long-time high school friends, her bridge group and other very special friends. She had been a member of the Erie Maennerchor Club Auxiliary since 1970 and served as treasurer from 2014 until its closing. JoAnn was also involved in the Elks Lodge, Charter Oaks Garden Club and the Welcome Club of Erie. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Louis Guilianelli and brother, George Suesser. 

She leaves behind to cherish her in memory, her beloved children, Amy Guilianelli Smigel (Austin) and David Guilianelli (Melissa) and adored grandchildren, Mason Smigel, Tess Smigel, Kaitlyn Guilianelli, Ava Guilianelli. She is further survived by her brother, John Suesser (Becki); sisters-in-law, Marie Guilianelli Matlak (Richard), Sharion Suesser and Susan Guilianelli; brothers-in-law, Wilson Guilianelli and James Guilianelli (Ron Johnson) and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 W 10th St., on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM and are invited to a 10:00 AM funeral service there on Wednesday. Burial is private and will be held at the convenience of the family.

For the safety of friends and family, services have been changed. Family will announce a Celebration of Life in the spring. 

Memorials may be made to the Luther Memorial Academy, 220 W 11th St, Erie, PA 16501; Shriners Children's, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.