JoAnne Lingle

In Loving Memory of JoAnne Lingle

With full hearts and deep gratitude, we honor the life of JoAnne Lingle - a devoted daughter, cherished sister, beloved mother and grandmother, and a faithful friend - who passed peacefully on May 2, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family at Casey Place hospice in Rockville, Maryland.

Born on March 25, 1937, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Archie and Julia Lingle, JoAnne spent her formative years in Savannah, Georgia. Although she later made her home in the Midwest, she carried her Southern roots proudly throughout her life. Fittingly, she left this world to the sound of Ray Charles' "Georgia on My Mind," a song that echoed the place she always held dear.

JoAnne lived her life as a tireless champion for peace, dignity, and justice. Guided by a deep Christian faith and an unwavering sense of compassion, she dedicated herself to advocating for the oppressed and marginalized for over three decades, both domestically and internationally. Her voice was steady and resolute, calling out injustice and standing beside those in need. She traveled the world and stood witness to suffering, always choosing love over hate or indifference.

JoAnne's devotion was not confined to causes, but it lived out in relationships. She was a loving mother to Sharon, Pete (Melissa Marxen), Mary, Katie (Kevin Ly), Julie, and Joe, and carried the memories of her sons, Robert, Patrick, and infant Michael, in her heart. Her love extended across generations to her grandchildren - PJ, Erin, Ling, Megan, Shannon, Courtney, Allison, Ian, Sarah, John, Marie, and Laura, whom she loved dearly. She was a treasured sister to Ron (Elaine) and Stevie (Donna), and an aunt and great-aunt beloved by many nieces and nephews.

To countless others, JoAnne was known simply as "Mum." Her nurturing spirit crossed communities and continents - whether in solidarity with the Palestinian people or through her work with organizations such as Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), School of Americas (SOA) Watch, New Hope House, the Open Door, Code Pink, and First Mennonite Church. Her faith-inspired activism often led her to peaceful protest, and at times, her arrest. At age 72, she even served time in federal prison, never backing down from her commitment to nonviolence and justice.

A longtime member of the AA community, JoAnne celebrated over 50 years of continuous sobriety. She offered countless others the gift of hope, embodying the transformative power of recovery and a new way of life with surrender, humility, and grace.

We honor JoAnne not just for what she stood for, but for who she was - a woman of faith, courage, warmth, generosity, and gratitude. Although her absence leaves a profound void, her legacy of compassion, courage, advocacy, and conviction endures in all who were touched by her spirit. May we celebrate her life and give thanks for the joy, laughter, and love she shared so freely. May her example continue to inspire us to imagine and work for peace and justice for all.

In accordance with her wishes, JoAnne's body was cremated in reverence to the sacred cycle of life: from dust we are made, and to dust we shall return. Her memory will live on in the love she gave, the justice she sought, and the peace she helped nurture in this world.

In remembrance of JoAnne's lifelong commitment to peace and justice, contributions may be made, in her memory, to:

Great Smoky Mountains Peace Pagoda

First Mennonite Church, Indianapolis, Indiana

JoAnne's life celebration will be held at 11:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time) on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 4601 Knollton Rd., Indianapolis, Indiana. Services will also be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing.