Joe Ann Tunney

Joe Ann (Giovanardi) Tunney was called to her eternal home by her Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 23, during a short stay at the Delaware Hospice Center. She was ready to leave this earthly life behind and join her husband, Norm and son, Donnie, in heaven where she will forever be glorifying her Lord.

Born to Joseph and Helen Giovanardi on June 20, 1932 in Brownsville PA and raised in California PA, she became a member of the Clifford and Mabel Tunney family when she married the love of her life on June 21, 1952. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to her husband and family, and was fondly known as “Mom” and “Mommom” by them and many “adopted” family members. Being the spouse of a serviceman, she made many moves around the country and world and was always quick to make friends no matter the location. She is remembered for her generous spirit and gift of hospitality. Joe loved to entertain and visit with family and friends. She was known for her wonderful cooking and her ability to make everyone feel welcome in her home. Even with five kids of her own, there was always “room for one more”.

She demonstrated her servant’s heart by preparing many meals to feed members of her former church family and, on occasion, for those less fortunate at the Salvation Army.  Along with her husband, she prepared and served meals to the children who attended Camp New Hope summer camp (Delaware Hospice) for many years and was always ready with a loving hug when a camper needed one. Together they also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and she volunteered to sit with in-home Delaware Hospice patients when needed. She spent many hours rocking babies in the church nursery and loved teaching children about Jesus and His love for them.  She served the Lord by serving in many capacities in her church, until no longer able. More recently, she enjoyed worshipping with her daughters at their churches.  Along with being a wonderful wife, mother and friend, she worked as cook and baker in the cafeterias of Welch and WR Brown Elementary Schools. Following her retirement from the CR School District, she ran a home day care center and then worked at the Village Country Store. She and Norm loved to spend time camping with their friends and especially enjoyed the southern gospel concerts at Holiday Park Campground.

Joe is lovingly remembered by her daughters and their spouses: Debbie and Will Johnson of Snyder OK; Sue and Bill McTheny of Milford DE, with whom she resided and was cared for by in her later years; Lynn and Alan Blanchard of Stockbridge GA; Dottie and Gary Halliday of Dover DE and her daughter-in-law, Reva Tunney of Chandler AZ. She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Christopher, Sr., Cherokee and Christopher, Jr. Johnson; James Saxton, Bryan Saxton and Caden Irwin; Kayla Blanchard, Christina McTheny; and Emily, Amanda and Daniel Halliday; her sister and nephew, Janet and Joseph Giovanardi; her dear friend, Jennie Adams, and her faithful four-legged companion, Prissy.

Joe’s life will be celebrated at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 West Camden Wyoming Ave. Wyoming DE 19934. Visitation with the family will take place on Tuesday, April 28 from 6pm-8pm and again on Wednesday, April 29 at noon, with the service beginning at 1:00. Following the service, Joe will be laid to rest next to her husband at Sharon Hills Cemetery. Her daughters wish to thank all of the staff who cared for their mother at Milford Hospital and Delaware Hospice Center.  Any friends who wish to remember Joe with a monetary donation are requested to send a memorial donation to Delaware Hospice at www.delawarehospice.org/donate-now/ .

Online condolences may be sent by entering the guest book below.

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