Joanne Bushby's Obituary
Joanne Bushby, age 71, of Gahanna, passed away peacefully in her home on January 13, 2024, surrounded by family. She was a 1970 graduate of Father Wehrle Memorial High School on the South End of Columbus and attended The Ohio State University.
Joanne was one of a kind, lived life on her own terms, and was intensely loyal. She will be remembered forever and held in the hearts of many. Joanne never met a stranger and had a beautiful gift for making deep and lasting connections. Quick-witted and usually with a rum and coke in hand, she was always armed with a joke or story to make you laugh. She loved the Columbus Red, White & Boom fireworks held on her birthday (July 3rd) and often reminded people that 400,000 of her closest friends would celebrate with her at the greatest fireworks show in the Midwest. She was a lifelong Buckeye fan and enjoyed watching Food Network and trying new recipes. You couldn’t visit Joanne without her offering you food to take home and she always made extra to give away. In addition, she loved word games, puzzles, and musicals and often supported the Gahanna Lincoln High School theatre program.
Joanne was an extraordinary, loving, and strong mother to her beloved daughter, Jennifer. She loved watching Jenn and Jenn’s basketball teams. Often referred to by the girls, now women, as “Mama Bushby,” she was a supportive, fierce, and lively cheerleader in the stands and life.
Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, James and Frances “Farkle” Bushby, her brothers Jerry and Jimmy (and sister-in-law Mary) Bushby, niece Debbie Harmon, nephews Greg and Jerry Jr. Bushby, and cherished friends Sandra “Sandy” Voit Thomson, Rebecca “Becky” Gordon Watka.
Joanne is survived by her pride and joy, daughter Jennifer Bushby, her “Head Nurse” Chelsea Cannon, many nieces, nephews, and countless wonderful friends; both lifelong and newer, who were more like family to her, for if she was your friend, you had a friend for life. She was loved by many and is missed beyond words.
A funeral mass will be held at 4:30 pm on Friday, February 2 at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 684 S 3rd St., Columbus, Ohio 43206. Mass will immediately be followed by an “open house” Celebration of Life at The Kitchen from 5:30-9:30 pm at 231 E. Livingston Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43215 to join together in sharing stories and laughter as we honor Joanne.
In lieu of flowers, remember to laugh often with those you love and enjoy a rum & coke for Joanne every July 3rd.
Jennifer would like to express her deepest thanks to the devoted friends, family, and Mount Carmel Hospice team for the wonderful help and care given to Joanne as she battled lung cancer. Come ready to share a memory and raise a glass as we celebrate my incredible mother.
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