Of Glendale, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, at the age of 86. She was the daughter of the late Marion and Dominic Cassata.

Joanne was preceded in death by her grandson, Ryan. She is survived by her children, Michael (Lisa), Steven, Brian (Bonnie), Daniel (Abby) and Mari Jo (Jim) Miller; her grandchildren, Dominic (Nicole), Danielle, Alexandra, Jenna (Aaron), Christopher, Megan (Lauren), Josh (Amanda), Matt (Elizabeth), Morgan (Bob), Bobbi Jo (Matt), Serena (Drew), Carley (Sammy) and Stevan; and her great grandchildren, Weston, Cal, Reese, Mason, Grant, Emmy, Mack, Brayden, Blakely Jo, Blair, Sawyer, Marley, Sofia, Caden, and Chloe.

She is also survived by her sisters, Maryann (the late Tony) Lalicata, Bobbie Cassata, and Kathie Smith, as well as Skip Bruckner, other relatives, and many friends.

Known affectionately as Nannie B, Joanne was a constant presence in the lives of her family. Her door was always open, she never forgot a birthday, and there was constantly a home cooked meal waiting. She was generous with her time, fiercely loyal, and never afraid to offer her honest opinion. She showed up for as many of her children's, grandchildren's and great grandchildren's sporting events as she could, cheering from the stands.

An excellent cook, Joanne was known for her lasagna, mostaccioli, French toast, brownies, deviled eggs and her “double secret” famous baked beans. Family gatherings centered around her big table, especially Thanksgiving, where she would cook all day, insist everyone eat more, and somehow refuse to sit down and eat herself. The family always joked that everything she made was cooked with love and a stick of butter.

Joanne was immensely proud of her Italian heritage and enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers every week. She was also an avid bowler for many years, spending countless evenings at Echo Bowl. She adored her dogs, Chico, Ginger and Bella, and never seemed to meet a dog she didn't like.

For 42 years, Joanne worked as a school bus driver, becoming a familiar and trusted presence to generations of children and families throughout the community. To the children she drove, she was Mrs. B, a face they knew and remembered long after their school bus days were over.

Joanne will be remembered for her strength, her sense of humor, her honesty, her cooking, and most of all, for always being there when her family needed her.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 10280 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, from 5 PM until the time of Funeral Service at 7 PM. Private family entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.