July 18, 1963 -July 12, 2024
Joanne Marie Schum transitioned to her heavenly home with family and friends at her bedside. Joanne endured a life-long battle with cystic fibrosis. As a sister, friend, aunt, and partner, she was taken from us far too early.
Joanne was a 27-year double-lung transplant survivor and a six-year lung cancer survivor. She was forever indebted to her donor family for blessing her with an extra 27 years of life.
Joanne was the author of “Taking Flight: Inspirational Stories of Lung Transplantation” and “Taking Flight: Inspirational Stories of Lung Transplantation, More Journeys”. These books compiled stories of lung recipients from around the world. In addition to the Facebook site, “Taking Flight with New Life”, Joanne gave voice and encouragement to so many.
Joanne took great pleasure in working at the Webster Public Library.
She loved planning her family “Schumcations”. Having her close and extended family together brought her much joy.
Joanne was generous to a fault with unconditional giving, compassion, and love. She brought comfort and hope to so many with her strength and resilience. She valued her many friendships and would do anything to help a friend. She loved to laugh!
The family wishes to recognize the undaunted professionalism, expertise, and compassion of the medical community. Joanne was particularly grateful for the loving care of Dr. Robert Schwartz. We are also grateful to the University of North Carolina Medical Center at Chapel Hill and Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Without these caring professionals, Joanne would have had far less of a chance at life.
Joanne’s final days were spent in the loving care of the staff at the Advent Hospice Home.
Joanne is predeceased by her parents, George and Katherine Schum and her two sisters, Mary Lou Allocco and Roseann Schum.
She is survived by her partner, Mitchell Radcliff; siblings, Dolores (Stony) Lohr, Noella Schum, Karl (Debbie) Schum, Trudy (James) Pellman, brother-in-law, Ed Allocco. In addition, she is survived by her aunt, Sister Mary Rose Schum, and many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.
Friends and family are welcome to attend a Memorial Mass which will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Motherhouse Chapel on Thursday, July 18, at 10 a.m. The Chapel is located at 1437 Blossom Rd.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Advent House, the Sisters of Mercy, or the Just Breathe Foundation.