Joanne Wareham 1930-2026

She was born June 1, 1930, in Warren, to Forest D. Gerald and Cleo Knopp Gerald.

A lifelong resident of Warren, she attended Warren City Schools and was among the graduates of the June Class of 1948 of Warren G. Harding High School.

Following graduation, she began working in the commercial office of the Warren Telephone Co. and left to raise her family. In 1974, she returned to work at the Union Savings and Trust Co., which became Bank One, and retired in 1991.

Jerry was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church; she, along with her husband, maintained the duties of the Altar Guild for 20 years, helped with the summer vacation Bible school, served on the evangelism committee and volunteered when and where needed.

She met Kenneth L. Wareham in 1949, and on May 2, 1952, they were married at St. Paul Lutheran Church by the late Rev. Dr. Charles W. Cassel. In the next 10 years, they were blessed with three children, Kenneth J. (Mara’) Wareham of Mount Dora, Florida; William G. (Jill) Wareham of Plainview, Long Island, New York; and the late Susan M. Huffman of Warren; as well as three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her brother, Jack Gerald; her husband, Kenneth; and her daughter, Susan.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2860 E Market St., Warren, OH 44483, in her memory.

A special thank you goes out to the staff of Lake Vista/Otterbein of Cortland for the care they gave to Jerry.

A celebration of life will take place 11 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with Pastor Michael Meranda officiating, and arrangements by Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.

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