Jo Ann Renee Panzarello Sepela

1958 - 2025

Jo Ann Renee Panzarello Sepela of Savannah, born March 19, 1958, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Frank Panzarello; and her sister, Jean Anne. Jo Ann was a proud, certified registered nurse who always put her patients first, offering them unconditional love and support. She was extremely dedicated to her community and was a passionate animal advocate.

She is survived by her deeply loving and devoted husband, Robert (Rob) Sepela; her son, Robert J. Pilger II (BJ); her daughter, Ashlee Marie Pilger; her granddaughter, Isabel (Izzy) Pilger; her lifelong guardian and four-legged companion, Duke; and her bonus daughter, Lana Khvatkovsky, of New York. She is also survived by her trusted friend, Lynn Winn, of Savannah. Additionally, Jo Ann is survived by her sisters: Maureen Snyder (Jack) of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; Diane Dugan of Pennsylvania; and Marguerite Panzarello (Teddy) of Loxahatchee, Florida. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

"Not all superheroes wear capes; they wear scrubs!"

Jo Ann will be deeply missed and loved.

A celebration of life will be held at the Savannah Moose Lodge, Norwood Avenue, Savannah, Georgia, on December 6, from 2 PM to 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Renegade Paws Rescue of Savannah, Georgia.