Joann (Mazziotti) Gray

Joann (Mazziotti) Gray

Marion

Joann (Mazziotti) Gray, 73, of Marion, Iowa, and formerly of Oelwein, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, September 1, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Memorial Service: 6:30 P.M. Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein with Msgr. Frank Bognanno officiating.

Gathering of Family & Friends will be on Monday starting at 3:00 P.M. at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein.

A Private Family Inurnment will be at a later date.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Joann Mary Mazziotti was born August 3, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Samuel James & Ethelyn Frances (Burford) Mazziotti. She graduated from Oelwein Community High School in the Class of 1969, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa. Joann taught second grade at Sacred Heart and then was a Reading Recovery and Title One Reading Specialist at Harlan Elementary School. Even long after her retirement, anyone who met her would never doubt she was a teacher, for the caring heart of a teacher was always one of Joann’s defining traits.

Joann married Patrick Gray on July 2, 1993, in Oelwein, Iowa. Family was the center of Joann’s life. Her home was always filled with loved ones and laughter. She especially loved being a “nana” - attending her grandchildren’s show choir performances, watching them swim and play outside, ice cream trips after school, and ensuring holidays were magical. If she wasn’t spending time with kids, grandkids, or friends, you could find her cheering on the Milwaukee Bucks or reading one of the several books she was engrossed in at one time. She loved her three dogs and supported various animal causes.

Joann brought an infectious positivity with her to every situation. She was a great friend and went out of the way to keep old friendships alive. She could hardly leave the house without someone complimenting her vibrant hair. She could beat anyone in a sweet corn eating contest. Her spaghetti sauce and Sunday spaghetti dinners were unmatched.

Joann is survived by her Husband of 31 years: Pat Gray of Marion; 3 Children: Kari (Jon) Leete of Marion, Gina (Tony) Rechkemmer of Marion & Sam (Elizabeth) Gray of Cedar Rapids; 6 Grandchildren: Stella, Sienna, Mya, Sawyer, Hazel and Sage; 2 Brothers: Don (Alex) Mazziotti of Portland, Oregon & Jim (Leannn) Mazziotti of McKinney, Texas and Numerous Nieces & Nephews.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Sharon.

Joann’s family wishes to thank her medical team at Mercy’s Hall-Perrine Cancer Center and Northwestern’s Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, and the amazing nurses and social workers from the Hospice of Mercy, for their care and compassion.