Birth date: Aug 30, 1952 Death date: Dec 30, 2021
Joanna “Gail” Barresi was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She departed from this world unexpectedly but peacefully on Dec 30, 2021 at the age of 69. Beloved daughter to the late Joanna and Theodore Schneid Read Obituary
im one of her grandchildren and she was one of my favorite people in the world she made me happier that anyone else could but a memory would be when we got into a fight and the next time we saw each other we made up and were best friends again we had a great bond and i love her alot i wish she wasn't gone
Each day, I've woken up this past week, I've wanted to call my mom. Last night was no different, I wanted to call her to tell her how I've been feeling, what my day was going to look like and the struggles we've been having because that's what best friends do. Half the time I would talk, she would spend time talking to the dogs and it would really aggravate me more than you can imagine but I got used to it. In the early 2000's, a retired colleague of mine asked me what I was doing for Mother's Day and I grumbled about it, telling him I had to figure out a gift for my mom and then go visit for a celebration she'd likely think wasn't special enough. I'll never forget what he said to me. He said, "what I wouldn't give to spend just one more Mother's Day with my mom." Long story short, his words hit home for me. From that day, I never took advantage of the time I was able to spend with my mom. What I wouldn't give to be able to hear her laugh, feel her touch, her embrace just one more time.
My mom struggled growing up, she didn't have it easy, she certainly didn't have a role model for raising children.
Raising my brother and
I, especially as a single mom before my dad came along was gut wrenchingly hard and super courageous. While there were times I thought she didn't love us, I could've never known the lengths she was going through to feed us, cloth us and care for us, while always encouraging us to be our best selves.
See, children don't realize the sacrifice of their mom (or their dad), until they are much older- having children of our own helps to speed up that lesson! Life was so darn stressful for my mom that it was difficult for her to stop and smell the roses. Even hugs sometimes took too long. It was enormously arduous for her to take the time to show her love in the way I wanted back then, and that was before I started to give her the gray hair in my teenage years! Now I know the struggle, now I know how she showed her love, she worked 2-3 jobs, she worked tireless in everything she did! When she wasn't at work, she was still working, at home cooking, keeping house, teaching us right from wrong, and breaking up fights between my brother and I. She worked endlessly with little acknowledgement to teach my brother and I to be responsible citizens, she stressed the importance of taking care and loving each other because in the end, it's all we would have.
It took many years for my mom to be able to show love the way I had always wished for because she finally knew that we were going to be okay, that we were safe and she had done her job well, despite the hand she was given. My mom loved us and it wasn't long into adulthood that I realized how much. My mom had grown on so many different levels that I could write a book but the only one that really matters is the growth of her heart ❤️ and her acceptance of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into her heart. She had learned to smell the roses, she had learned to give the best hugs, the best kisses, the best advise, the best praise and the best of herself FREELY to her family. I am so blessed for her hard work, her dedication, and her undying need to be our #1 fan. She always was... but kids will be kids, how little we knew of her endless love. You are no longer in pain, you are enjoying the afterlife with our heavenly father, and being reunited with loved ones that have passed before you.
I love you mommy and I will miss you until we meet again...
I worked with Jo for 20 something years at Troy Schools. We had some wonderful talks! She always had such wonderful things to say about her husband and children. She would also tell me when one or another was 'in for it' when she got home. Always said with a smile of course. I will never forget you friend. I will miss you always.
Sending prayers and love to Joanna's family.
Aunt Gail was a beautiful, wonderful human being. She was full of love and fun. The memories of camping and fishing and hanging out on holidays will forever be cherished! She will be missed by so many people. I love you Aunt Gail. Rest In Peace!!
I have many wonderful memories of Aunt Gail and Uncle Joe together. My favorite was going camping with them after Rob’s accident. We needed to get away and have some fun, and we did. I appreciated that week more than anyone could ever know. Aunt Gail recently paid Rob and I an amazing compliment, one that I will forever remember and cherish.
Thank you Aunt Gail. We will miss you. We love you.
I pray the amazing memories bring you all peace. We love you. Love, Debby & Rob
