JoAnne Marilyn Neal (née Austgen), age 90, of Bridgman, MI (formally of Lansing, IL) peacefully passed away at Woodland Terrace Senior Living Community on Thursday, August 6, 2020 after a short battle with cancer. Her loving children were at her side. JoAnne passed away exactly 18 years to the date of her beloved late husband Melvin L. Neal.
Sometimes an angel, sometimes a hellraiser, always a strong woman.
JoAnne was born on June 6, 1930 to the late Kenneth and Othelia (née Keilman) Austgen of Hammond, IN. She was raised in Calumet City, IL with her sister Carol (Thurman) Ferree. She was united in marriage with Melvin L. Neal on September 2, 1950. Together they raised two amazing children in Lansing, IL.
JoAnne is survived by her two loving children, Pam (Mel) Pfeffer and John (Tracy) Neal; three beautiful granddaughters, Kristen (Elijah Eversole) Pfeffer, Rachel (Erik) Ewen, and Angela (Matt) McWethy; six adored great-grandchildren, Lilly, William, Adison, Liam, Elliott and Sophia and dear sister, Carol Ferree.
The family would like to thank the Woodland Terrace of Bridgman organization and offer special thanks to its caregivers for their compassion, friendship and skilled assistance, as well as Caring Circle Hospice for making JoAnne’s final days comfortable and peaceful.
Per her request, cremation has taken place and JoAnne will be interned next to her loving husband, Melvin, at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. A celebration of life will occur at a later date, TBD.
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Nora Ramirez
JoAnne touched all our lives at Woodland Terrace. She was always funny and made people smile. I was blessed to have met her and to have been with her for a short while. We will miss her dearly. I am glad to know she is resting and no longer suffering. Thank you Pam for sharing her with us at Woodland Terrace. She was a great person to know.