59, of Phoenix, passed away on August 4, 2016. I met JoAnn when I was 14 years old and asked her to the sweetheart dance. She wore a yellow flowered dress with bows to match her hair. She was beautiful. By junior year she was my girlfriend. We married at 21 and moved to California for five years. Moving back to Phoenix we started our family and have 4 beautiful, good kids. Life was a whirlwind of family get togethers, kids sports and family vacations, we had a great life. Anyone that knew her also knew that she wasn’t the mother of just our kids, but mom to every kid who walked through our door. She loved her children and welcomed their friends, with her generous spirit, into our home as well. There were never too many kids or too much noise as far a she was concerned. We grew up together, she was my best friend, a loving mother, the anchor in our family and will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her. JoAnn is survived by her husband Bob, sons Daniel Heath and Ryan Heath, daughters Jenna Pessah and her husband Gabe and Natalie Heath, brother Anthony Scuderi, sisters Nina Sutton and Annette Roberts and her parents Tommy and Mary Scuderi. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. with a Scripture Service at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, August 8, 2016 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 11300 N. 64th Street, Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to Family Promise, 7221 E. Belleview Street, #5, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.
Sally fangman
Our hearts are sadden by your loss. Joann was a beautiful person inside and out. Our son Jordan has spent many good times with this family I always knew Joann had his back and loved him as much as she did her own children. God has a good one by his side. Gary and sally.
Jennifer betlach
Our family is praying for yours in this difficult time.
Tamara Brooks Primera
Jennifer Betlach (Brooks-Primera)
Bob Grass
So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences & prayers for all.
Bob Grass
Jodi Everson
Words are never adequate in moments like these. I hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Dana Cooper
Bob and family,
Wishing you peace in your time of loss. Joann was beautiful both inside and out.
You are all be in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Dana Armstrong Cooper
Dawn Reyes
What a GREAT lady!!! She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Made a great impact on my daughter with her family values. Mrs Heath fly with the angels. Gone but never forgotten. My prayers and strength for the Heath family.
Much respect
The Reyes family
Valerie Taylor
You are all a wonderful family that I have loved for many years. We share in you grief at the loss of Joann. She was an exceptional mom and friend. Our kids grew up together and have many good memories. Wishing you healing and any support you need. Love and hugs Jack and Val Taylor.
Joe Scuderi
Joann I know that you are in the hands of our merciful Lord. You will be watching down, interceding and protecting your husband Bob and all the kids. You were a great mom, spouse, daughter, cousin and friend to everyone. You were always there for us especially when your aunt Nancy and uncle Joe passed away and your strong love and compassion will be sorely missed. We all love you and miss you so much and you were taken too soon, but I know that God’s wisdom is far above our own and I know He has prepared for you a special place in Heaven and that we will all be reunited in the future. God bless you cuz!
Bill & Lana
So sorry to hear this. she was so young.
Christine Hackett
Why JoAnn, God? That is the question so many of us who knew and loved JoAnn are asking. She had her heart and soul in the lives of so many. Life without her is unimaginable. She was beautiful inside and out. What a cook, what a hostess, what a mother, wife and friend! So many wonderful memories over so many years. It is difficult to smile about them now. JoAnn leaves four wonderful children to help carry on her memory. For the rest of her family and friends, we will never forget her. For those of us who remain, this is a sad reminder that tomorrow is promised to no one. With Heartfelt Sympathy, Chris and Jeff Hackett
John Mckinnon
Sending love and condolences to your family. Joanne will be missed.
Melody, Robin, Taylor & Arabella Driscoll
I met JoAnn my very first day of 5th grade at St. Thomas School. She was my instant BFF! We laughed and shared so many memories throughout the years through High School and although our adult lives took us in different directions I was blessed to be in her life again and get to know her family and children. We had so many laughs and dreams.. although God had different plans I was left with so many happy thoughts and 4 beautiful children that I have got to know, each of them with the best of my great friend JoAnn.. I will never forget how you could light up the room with your beautiful Smile, remember every detail of every event, and capture the hearts of my family and so many..
Thank you so much for being Amazing you!!
We will Miss you forever and Love you always..XOX
Debbie Entwistle and family, Isabel and Elise
My deepest sympathy to Bob, Daniel, Jenna, Ryan, Natalie, JoAnn’s parents, her siblings and family. JoAnn was a lovely person, inside and out, with her big smile, her gorgeous hair and positive spirit, she was naturally maternal. My daughter, Isabel, was part of the Natalie friend tribe since 4th grade, JoAnn and Bob took her along on camping trips, trips up North to play in the snow, countless sleep overs, and the yearly New Years Eve night at the Heath’s, including midnight fireworks. Isabel and I were truly blessed to have known JoAnn, and witnessed a functional tight knit family, that loved each other dearly. Isabel tells the story of Bob singing to JoAnn “I’d catch a grenade for ya”, I always think of them when I hear that song. JoAnn will be greatly missed by me and my family.
John Lomas
Although we live a long way from Phoenix, in Italy, we feel to be part of your extended family, and we have been deeply touched by this tragic event. We remember with affection the many times we have visited with you, the warm welcome we have always received from you all. Looking through the photos and videos, Jo Ann was always there, helping out, we remember playing with Natalie as a little girl, meeting and joking with Ryan, Jenna and Daniel, Bob coming to the airport to collect us. Words are not enough to express our sorrow, and we don’t know how to comfort you. With much love and affection from Tonina and John, and children Giorgia and Diana
Chris Arena
Bob & Heath family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Joann was always fantastic to Bailey. I know she will be missed by her family and freinds. A person can be measured on earth by their family and their impact on the community of freinds.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
The Arena family, Chris, Jen, Bailey,and Reagan
James Gilbert Dunn
This just hits like a ton of bricks. . . .
She was rare and because of it only consider myself even luckier that she and I were friends. There was never a time when being at my lowest points she always had time to listen. Between Bob and herself there have never been two of the greatest friends anyone could hope for.
There is a void in my life that can never be filled. . . .
Giorgia Partemio
I will always remember Joann warm welcome when I came from Italy to spend some time with my Scuderi family in Phoenix. It was an enjoyable time that I will never forget, short but enough to catch the family atmosphere and the care she dedicated with passion to people around her. I share the sorrow of my cousins to whom I send my affection and condolences. Giorgia Partemio
Jeff Peck
Bob and family we are so very sad for your loss but your CIC family knows that she is in phenomenal hands with our Savior. I heard a story from Corey Tenbaum that we must hold everything loosely because everything we have been given is Gods. I learned this in a CIC weekend and realized I had to give everything to God even my wife and that was tough but I eventually have succumb to His will. He is all in all. Be still and know that He is God and we will join all our loved ones that have passed in a glorious heaven filled life. Be strong and courageous Heath family.
Jeff and Deb Peck
Leave No Doubt…
Stephanie Pickthall
I’m so sorry for the Scuderi family. I pray that you will be comforted by your beautiful memories of JoAnn.
Steve Contreras
Bob our sincere prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything I can do for you please don’t hesitate to call me.
Steve Contreras
Tom Popa
May the Holy Spirit provide strength in your hour of sadness and grief. God’s Blessing to you and your family always.
Roberta Callebaut
I instantly liked Joann when I met her. She had a smile that was genuine and there every time you spoke. She was a woman who had great love for her family which always came first and then gave the same love to every child that came through the doors of their home. When my Liz was over there house I never had to worry about her. She treated her just the same as her own children . If you needed any kind of help Bob and she would be there. She will be missed by everyone who new her.
Thank you Joann for being there for Liz
Liz, Roberta and Tom Callebaut
Rest in peace Joann
Bob and Kathy Maiuri
We are so sorry for your loss. I remember Joann as the kind of person who had a peaceful nature and someone who you could tell genuinely cared about those around her. She will be missed.
Kaylee
Heath Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. JoAnn was such an amazing lady who I had the privilege to get to know when I was growing up. She was such a loving individual who would take in all of her children’s friends as her own. I am so thankful for all of the great memories I have had with the Heath Family. My heart breaks to hear we lost her so soon. Wishing the Heath family strength and peace during this difficult time. JoAnn will forever be in our hearts.
Kaylee Bolger
Dorothy & Roger
The love Bob has for, and shared with JoAnn is profoundly found in his final love letter to her.
It begins with “I met JoAnn when I was 14 years old, continues with the color of her dress and bows , and concludes in part with “She was beautiful.”
May she rest in His Peace and in the hearts of all who loved her.
Natalie Nicosia
I am heartbroken at the news of Joann’s passing. I know Joann through my best friend Annette, Joann’s sister. I saw her recently and remember her beauty and her smile. She was a dedicated wife and mother. She was a wonderful hostess at family gatherings.
My prayers are with Bob and the kids and the whole Scuderi family. May you find comfort, love and support among family and friends. May you cherish all of the memories of a woman who touched so many lives.
Johnny Zickel, Louisville, KY
Bob
I’m very sorry to hear of Joann’s death. Regrettably, I never got to meet her, but she sounds like a truly wonderful person, and I can understand how blessed you feel to have had her in your life. I wish you comfort and healing and many happy memories of Joann.
Anna Heffron
We were so saddened to hear of JoAnn’s passing. A very kind woman with a beautiful smile.
May you find peace in her memories.
Jennifer Vangen
Bob and Family,
We are so very sorry for your great loss. But always remember that God needs the best and so he has chosen Joanne.
She was a wonderful human being. May she rest in peace.
Jennifer Vangen
Glen Kothe
Angelee Scuderi
Joann you helped me so much with my dad your uncle Joe only 4 short months aho. You were my strength. You were not only my cousin but my sister. I grew up with you. I remember all the thanksgivings and Christmas’ spent at each other’s houses growing up. I’m so sad but knowing you are with my dad mom nonna and nonno gives me comfort. I kow you are in a beautiful place. I love you my cousin my beautiful cousin.
Laura Rumann
To the Scuderri and Heath family:
So sorry to hear of Joann’s passing. My deepest condolences to all. She was a beautiful soul and always remember our times from high school fondly. God Bless.
DEBRA VILLINES CASTANON
Bob,I know that you are feeling that your heart is broken in two. Just remember that God never gives us more than what we can handle. You have your wonderful memories of the love shared by you and JoAnn. You and your family will be in my prayers. May God grant you and your family peace and strength.
Judi Cochran
Dear Bob and family, I cannot begin to feel or know what you are going through, but please know that you are in my heart, mind and prayers. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you what an awesome
Mom, Wife and friend she was, but…I think I will anyways! Her eyes have always been a dead give away to what a kind and wonderful person she will always be, and Bob, my heart goes out to you, the two of you have always been amazing, you can’t stop now. You are so loved and admired by so many, just keep on keeping on , one foot in front of the other, and just breath. Big hug, Judi Cochran.
Lisa DiVito-Stevenson
Tom and Mary…My heart breaks for you. I am sorry, A parent should never have to proceed their Child. My love and prayers are with you at this time and always.
To Bob and his children, having gone through this I can tell you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Just take things day by day knowing that Joann/mom will always be right next to you in spirit and will help you get through each and every day.
We never really get over something like this, we learn how to live with it.
Prayers go out to all of the Scuderi/Heath’s in this difficult time.
Lisa DiVito_Stevenson
Margaret Behlert
Bob, I just learned of Joanne from Aunt Adelaide. Iam so sorry. The tributes here paint the picture of an extraordinary woman. How beautifully she shared God’s love! Peace to you and your family. With Peterson love from Margaret and the Bongey family.