JoAnn Bazata

JoAnn Bazata passed away on August 17, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on February 26, 1932, in Northbrook, Illinois, she was the only child of Jean and William Bohannon. JoAnn graduated from Northern Illinois College and later met Charles Bazata on a blind date. They married in 1954 and stayed married for 53 years. They raised four children in Michigan: Cathy Bazata (Kerry Jones), Todd Bazata (Janet Benton), Bonnie Bazata, and William Bazata (deceased). JoAnn cherished her granddaughter Allison Tucker Good and delighted in her three great-grandchildren—Addi, Harper, and Liam—whose presence brought light to her later years.

JoAnn’s qualities of being kind and compassionate, curious and hard-working, humble and uncomplaining created lifelong friends and devotion from her children. A scientist at heart, her first career was as a medical technician before many women were in this field. She shared her love of nature, taking her children on nature walks and showing reverence for all creatures from spiders to cows to her many dogs and cats. Her flower beds were glorious in summer and bountiful vegetables meant delicious meals year-round. After raising four children to school age, she became a 4th grade teacher in Cassopolis where she cherished her students and inspired a love of learning.

She was a keen consumer of news, an avid reader, particularly mystery books, and a beautiful quilter. She was a lifelong Presbyterian with many years as an active member of the Cassopolis United Presbyterian Church. 

In her final years in Tucson, she was lovingly cared for by her daughter Bonnie with support from Kiko’s Ranch. Despite the challenges of dementia, JoAnn remained gracious and kind.

In tribute to JoAnn’s love of knowledge, contributions may be made to your local NPR station.