Joan Chermely

Joan Chermely age 96, beloved wife of Christian Chermely, loving mother of Michelle Cameron Bozeman (Chuck Stout) and Mark Chermely (Melissa Barnes), great grandmother of Matthew Cameron and Richelle Cameron Hedges (Alex); cherished daughter of the late Walter and Angela Kopec (nee Herrenrieder); dearest sister of Marylin Lang Frascona; treasured Aunt to Barry Lang and Charisse Lang Stone; loved cousin of the Sitkowski, Polakowski, Kobrinski, Cermely and Hastert families; Godmother to Ray Sitkowski.

Joan Kopec was born in Cleveland on April 19,1930 and died November 9, 2026. She married Christian on August 23, 1952, and they shared 68 years of marriage together. Joan graduated from Mather Case Western Reserve University with a Masters in Art and Education. She was an enthusiastic lover of nature, the arts and cultural events and experiences. She was a world traveler and enjoyed exploring new experiences. One of the most significant events she cherished in her life was meeting and being blessed by St John Paul II.

She carried compassion, empathy and a fierce commitment to supporting others along life’s way. This was expressed through her life and activities. Her professional work was as an Art Teacher in the Wickliffe elementary and middles schools, resulted in her students being successful on a national level in the AAA poster contest. For this and other professional achievements, she is a member of the Wickliffe City Hall of Fame. She was active throughout her life with many organizations including St Mary’s Senior, Prastava Pensioners, KSKJ, SNPJ Farm secretary and Member of Lodge 142, member of AMLA Kras 8 , Slovenian Cultural Garden Association, Holmes Avenue Pensioners, Slovenian Art Guild, Tutor at St. Mary’s School, St. Stephens Byzantine Catholic Church Choir, Eastern Christian Formation Teacher, St Stephens Seniors, active with PTU, and GCU Lodge 336, Volunteer St Joseph’s Christian Life Center, Polish Genealogical Society and AARP Tax volunteer. She was also a member of the Third Order of St Francis and had a special connection with nature.

Joan lived every moment of her life, fully and with a great zest and enthusiasm. She is remembered as a sweet, kind and generous woman.

Contributions may be made in memory of Joan to St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 15519 Holmes Ave, Cleveland Ohio 44110, HERE.

Mass of Christian Burial Monday, November 16, 2026, at St. Mary’s Collinwood Catholic Church, 15519 Holmes Avenue, Cleveland at 10 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joan at DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) SUNDAY 2 – 6 PM, WITH PARASTAS AT 5 PM.