Joanna Policaro
January 20 1944 - July 7 2024
Visitation :
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Wednesday July 24th 2024 9-10 am
1559 Roxbury Road
Columbus Ohio 43212
Services:
Funeral Mass
Wednesday July 24th 2024 at 10:00 am
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
1559 Roxbury Road
Columbus
, Ohio 43212
Procession to follow to St. Joseph Cemetery
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Obituary
Joanna (Ciotola) Policaro left this earthly life for her eternal one on Sunday July 7, 2024 in San Diego, California. Joanna was born in Cerreto, Italy on January 20, 1944, to the late Francesco and Concetta Ciotola. She was preceded in death by her husband Franco Policaro; brothers, Domenico, Angelo, Bruno and Benito; sister, Dina Milano; sister-in-law, Silvia Ciotola; and her most special cousin, Monsignor Romano Ciotola and many other extended families both in Italy and the USA. She was also preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law, Domenico and Caterina Policaro; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Felicia and Antonio DeLuca; and brother-in-law, William Lalli. Joanna is survived by her sons, Don Policaro and his son Domenic, Dr. Franco (Paola) Policaro and their children Isabella and Luca as well as Amy Rayl, Domenic's mother. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law, Italia, Evelina and Maria Ciotola, Nina (Mark) Inks and Lela Lalli; and brother-in-law, Joe Milano Sr. Joanna is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends - especially longtime friends Lou DiPaolo, Shirly Powers and Heather Campbell all who loved her so very much. At the age of 13, Joanna came to America by boat with her mother to meet up with her father, sister and brother who had already come earlier. Later, the family was reunited when her three older brothers made the same journey across the Atlantic. Joanna went to beauty school and became a beautician in 1964. She soon opened her own business, where she was a much respected and sought after hair stylist. A hard worker who loved her work and her customers so much that she refused to retire and was still working until her diagnosis. She carried herself with dignity and grace through her illness and treatments. She united this huge battle to Jesus' cross and looked up to Him for strength and comfort always with a smile on her face and never complained. Joanna was loved by all. She was a beacon of love, faith, and strength. She was very social and would make new friends wherever she went - on the ski slopes, hiking, working out in the gym, or just walking in her neighborhood. She was an amazing cook and always welcomed everyone to her beautifully set table. Joanna's most treasured accomplishment was her family. She loved spending time with all of them to the point that nothing was going to stop her from going to her granddaughter's graduation in San Diego. She steadfastly worked towards her goal, and was able to spend a few months in San Diego, where she was surrounded by Franco and Don and their families. This brought her so much joy and peace. A special thanks to Laura Bolster, Laura Gilbert, Jasmin Munoz and Melissa Rivas for their continuous care and for the love and support they showed to Joanna during her illness. The family also appreciates all the help and support from so many other family members, neighbors and friends. We will all miss our beautiful Joanna and she will be in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to the Columbus Humane Society and the Glioblastoma Foundation.
Contributions
Contributions may be directed to any of the followingCondolences for Joanna Policaro
From : Sharon Hatem
To : Policaro family
Date: July 12th 2024
Joanna was my hair stylist and friend for many years. She was the dearest, sweetest person you could ever hope to meet. Until I decided to stop coloring my hair during Covid! She tried her best to convince me not to do it, but finally acquiesced. She was a huge support to me when my husband passed away from cancer five years ago. I will cherish our time together for the rest of my life. Rest in peace, dear Joanna.
From : Sabine and Dana Kuhn
To : Joanna Policaro family
Date: July 13th 2024
Joanna was our hairstylist for over 30 years, but she was so much more. She was a friend who was always interested in our family, asking to see pictures of children once they were adults and grandchildren. We miss her very much.
From : Susan and Michel Leonhart
To : Family of Joanna Policaro
Date: July 13th 2024
I first met Joanna when a professor at Ohio State referred her to me because I was “having a bad hair day.” That was nearly 35 years ago, and she became a dear friend almost immediately. My husband and I would go out for lunch with Joanna, and she and I always ordered salmon. When she downsized to her condo, Joanna always needed hooks to hang things on, and the three of us would go shopping. I also remember the times she would make me her chicken soup when I wasn’t feeling well. Through the years, I have been a blonde, red head, and brown with blonde highlights but when it came to letting my hair grow out to its “natural color (of what I call silver), she tried so hard to talk me out of it. Joanna will always have a special place in our hearts.
From : Kathleen Puccetti
To : Joanna Policaro Family
Date: July 21st 2024
Joanna was my family's hair stylist for over 40 years. She lovingly took care of my Mother's hair for years. My last time with her was about a week or so before she became ill. She also was my daughter's hair stylist and her appointment would have been two days after Joanna became ill. Joanna was more like family, we shared our good times and not so good times, our children and grandchildren. She called me a short while before she left for Heaven. She is in my heart forever, I can hear her calling my name with her precious little accent. Love you Joanna, rest now in Jesus' loving arms.
From : Sandy Russell
To : Policaro Family
Date: July 22nd 2024
Joanna and I started beauty school together and then we worked at Artistic beauty salon. Then she opened her own shop Classic Coiffures on 3rd ave and after a few years we moved to 5th ave Giovanna Hair Station. She was the most precious human being you would ever want to know. So kind, thoughtful, generous, sweet,energetic, amazing woman and I loved her so much. She will be missed by so many people who's life she touched. Rest in peace my dearest friend.
From : Joy Zoe Paschalis and Family in Canada
To : Franco Don and Policaro Family
Date: July 23rd 2024
It is with great sadness that we send our condolences on the passing of your dearest Mother, Johanna, who will be forever remembered in our hearts for her kindness, generosity and for always putting the needs of others ahead of her own. I will forever cherish the memories of Pompano Beach where our families met and formed a lifelong friendship. Across the miles, we share in your grief and send our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. May the memories of her beautiful spirit provide comfort. Johanna will be missed greatly by all.
With love, your Canadian family. Joy Zoe Paschalis and Family
From : Dr Ernest Melaragno
To : Policaro and Ciotolo Families
Date: July 24th 2024
So sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. May she rest in peace.
From : Carolina Pereira and family
To : Joanna s Family
Date: September 13th 2024
My husband and I bought our house from Joanna in 2016. We could tell that the house was very dear to her. I was late pregnant at the time so I didn't come for the closing. My husband came to Columbus for the closing and he said that Joanna was very emotional when she handed him the keys. She came later to welcome us to Columbus, brought us some food, we became friends, she started doing my hair, she did my son's first haircut. She always talked about her sons and grandchildren, she loved you very much. She was a lovely person, we are truly sorry for your loss, we will miss her. Our home is always open if you want to come for a visit. Be in peace.