Joanne Josefa Marino Romeo-Schaffer

It is with a heavy heart but joyful spirit that we announce that Joanne Josefa Marino Romeo-Schaffer entered into her Eternal Reward on March 24, 2026. She passed away in her own home surrounded by her loving family.

Joanne was a beautiful and insightful soul. She was the root that gave her children wings to pursue their happiness. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, the love and deep knowledge she had of the Catholic Church and its theology, and for her love and dedication to her family.

Joanne was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on November 21, 1943, to Joseph James and Anna Maria (Bonamassa) Marino. She graduated with honors from Boardman high school in 1961. After graduation, she enrolled at The Ohio State University and earned a B.S. in Mathematics in 1965, cum laude - one of only 3 women in that cohort. She also earned a Master's degree in Mathematics from Purdue University in 1974. She went on to have a 50- year long career in teaching.

During her life in Knoxville, as a member of Sacred Heart church (as it was called at the time), she began teaching religious education classes, earned her Lay Pastoral Minister certification in a 3-year diaconate program, and served as the first Director of Religious Education for 25 years. She was part of the committee that oversaw the establishment of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process for the Cathedral. Her dedication to this vocation helped bring hundreds of people into the Catholic Church and influenced the introduction of several other ministries as well.

She married John Homer Romeo in 1965 and had 3 children: Christopher Bryant, Chrisanne Marie, and Jonathan Joseph Romeo.

She found love again with her college sweetheart, Dr. Harwood Schaffer and they got married in April 2003. Together they walked into their golden years. In the end, Harwood took very loving care of Joanne so that she could remain in her home until her last breath.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a baby brother, and sister, Patricia Ann Marino Lusk.

She leaves behind to mourn her death and celebrate her life: her husband, her children, former son-in-law Bill Silvers, and her two beloved grandchildren- Dominic Buchanan Silvers and Isabella Marina Silvers.

As per her wishes, Joanne has been cremated. A Celebration of Life and Funeral Mass will be held at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10am. Immediately afterwards will be the Inurnment in the Columbarium followed by a reception in the Cathedral Hall. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Cathedral.

The family encourages people to wear purple in honor of Joanne's favorite color (or other cheerful colors) or a feather in your hair.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Alzheimer's Tennessee or to the Adult Faith Formation program at the Cathedral.