Joanne Lee Mrazik

Joanne “JoJo” L. (née Woodlief) Mrazik was born on February 16, 1944, in Hastings, Nebraska, to Robert T. and Wanda (née Merrick) Woodlief. She passed peacefully in her sleep at the Vermont Veterans’ Home in Bennington, VT, into God’s arms on April 11, 2025—just eight days after marking 60 years of marriage to her beloved husband, Edward Mrazik, who resides at the Vermont Veterans’ Home.

In addition to her husband, she leaves behind her daughters: Darcy Fjelstrom (husband Gustaf) of Lago Vista, TX, and Stephanie Vaine (husband Andre Jr.); and grandchildren Lydia and Samuel Vaine, all of Charlotte, VT. She is also survived by her sister Betty Hallenstein (husband Alex) of Schenectady, NY, and sister-in-law Peg Mrazik of San Diego, CA, as well as many nieces and nephews across the country.

In her childhood, Joanne loved reading and listening to science fiction radio shows with her dad. It was during those formative years that she also developed her lifelong dislike of green beans. From a young age, she knew she wanted to help others and dreamed of becoming a mother.

Raised in Springfield, MA, she graduated from Commerce High School in 1961. She then began nursing school and soon met Edward, a friend of one of her dance partners at Westover Air Force Base. Edward proposed from overseas, and after they were married, Joanne left nursing school to follow him to Michigan and Colorado for his military assignments. They later settled in Southwick, MA, to raise their daughters.

Though she held a full-time job as a mom and part-time jobs of various kinds, Joanne always felt a deep connection to the healthcare field. That passion was evident in her later years when she worked at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA, as a unit administrative assistant in the Pathology department. She continued to live her values through patient advocacy while caring for her father-in-law Michael, her mother Wanda, and her father Robert in their final years.

Joanne loved God, books, movies, music (she played the best tambourine), Disney, any beach, and chocolate. Above all, she loved her family and friends. She had a deep curiosity about people and enjoyed learning their stories. Known for her independent spirit, she disliked being told what to do—and made it her mission to correct spelling and grammar errors wherever she found them, especially on signs. She also feared spiders until her last breath.

She touched many lives through years of service at her home church in Westfield, MA, where she earned the nickname “JoJo” from a dear sister in Christ. She organized unforgettable church-wide potluck dinners for Missions Month—often managing to nick herself with a kitchen knife in the process. She served in caring ministries and youth ministries, and her home became a safe haven for preteens and teens to gather for movie nights, including sci-fi and horror films. She also made sure the Easter Sunrise Services were stocked with the best donuts—from Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts in Southwick, MA, and led a women’s home bible study for ladies in her town.

After retiring, Joanne and Edward moved to South Burlington, VT, to be closer to their beloved grandchildren, Lydia and Samuel. Joanne loved being a grandma—sometimes even more than being a mom.

The family would like to thank everyone at the Vermont Veterans’ Home. We are deeply grateful for the care and compassion our mom received each day, and for the continuing care given to our father.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future. Her daughters will announce on social media or can be contacted directly for details.

Memorial gifts in memory of Joanne may be sent to the Vermont Veterans’ Home through the office of Mahar Funeral Home in Bennington, VT, or directly via: Vermont Veterans’ Home - 325 North Street, Bennington, VT 05201 or VVH.vermont.gov