Joanne E. First

Joanne E. First of Doylestown, OH passed away suddenly due to a medical emergency on October 21, 2025.

Born on March 3, 1946, Joanne truly dedicated a lifetime of selfless service as counselor, comforter and caregiver to so many in her immediate and extended family and friends and she will be missed dearly. She enjoyed a wonderful 53-year marriage to her high school sweetheart, Richard, and they were an inseparable and loving couple until his passing in 2020.  They are no doubt happily reunited again in Heaven.

Joanne treasured many lifelong friendships from Doylestown High School and later as a Registered Nurse at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron.  She always looked forward to reunions with her classmates and adventurous annual trips with close friends. Joanne was incredibly devoted to her family throughout her life and remains the recipient of much love, admiration and gratitude from her children, Susan Withers (Chas), Brian First (Kristin), Beth Cahill (Sean), and Lisa Willis (Steve). She is also survived by her brother, James Bebesi (Ricki), and her sister Patricia Cauffield (John).  Joanne was in a league of her own when it came to baking a vast assortment of tasty treats for the holidays or any special occasion.  She was affectionately known as the “Cookie Grandma” by her 12 grandchildren - Juliana Withers (Ethan); Emma Lenczewski (Ryan); Sarah, Margaret and Grace First; Sean and Paige Cahill; Ethan Franetovich; Shelby, Hailey, Chloe and Richard Willis.  She also enjoyed doting on her young great-granddaughter, Harper.

Joanne was very intelligent, even skipping a grade in school, and enjoyed reading and extensively researching family genealogy.  She was an avid gardener and appreciated sports events of all kinds, especially when cheering on her children or grandchildren over the years.  She was a lifelong, devout parishioner of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Doylestown and a frequent volunteer for parish and school activities.  Most of all, Joanne will be remembered as a deeply caring and loving person who gave generously in time, talent and affection to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 14 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Zak-Thacker & Monbarren Funeral Home, 132 N. Portage St., Doylestown, OH.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 15 at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 161 W. Clinton Rd., Doylestown, OH.  Donations in Joanne’s memory may be made to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org and the Doylestown Community Food Cupboard with check payable to Doylestown Community Food Cupboard, mailed to 153 Church Street, Doylestown, OH 44230.  Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

Zak-Thacker & Monbarren (330-658-2211) 

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