Joann Cumming Blaha

Joann Cumming Blaha, 81 of Mentor, passed away peacefully among family on May 22, 2025 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born October 17, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to the late William and Mary (Tolk) Cumming.
Joann was born and raised in the Detroit, Michigan area. She and her family moved to Lyndhurst, Ohio during her high school years where she attended Brush High School and graduated with the class of 1961. After high school she attended Dyke College in Cleveland where she learned the skills necessary to be a successful legal assistant. She married her late husband, James G. Blaha in 1963 and became a homemaker while she raised their three children. She was a very inquisitive and involved mother who took on many projects and roles during that time. She had various titles of Cub Scout Den Mother, Room Mother at school, and Library Assistant, among others. She was crafty and was not afraid to get her hands dirty or try new things. At our home, affectionately called JNJ Ranch, she enjoyed canning the vegetables she raised in the garden. She built stalls and rabbit hutches for the family bunnies and horse and goat 4H projects. She could fix a bicycle, go cart, dirt bike, or lawn mower and build and launch model rockets and airplanes. She cheered from the stands for baseball, softball, basketball, wrestling, and swimming. In the mid 80's, she brushed off her books, took a couple refresher courses, and rejoined the work force as a legal assistant for William (Bill) C. Hofstetter, in Chardon, OH. Over the next 25 years she became a source of confidence for the many clients that came through their office. After retirement she traveled extensively with her husband throughout Europe, Great Britain, and the Netherland Antilles. She took art classes and became a talented watercolor painter. Joann made hand painted cards for holidays, birthdays and special events and enjoyed sharing them with others. Joann had lifelong friends and new friends through the YMCA Silver Sneakers program, at art classes, in her theater group, and in her neighborhood. She and her 'Club' ladies met regularly for lunches and various outings and adventures that brought her so much joy.
Joann is survived by her son Steve, granddaughters Ashley and Kylee; son Tom (Jessica), grandchildren Jeffery, Nathan, Julianna, Carrigan, and Alex; and daughter Michelle (Jeff) Parks, and grandson Joe. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She also leaves behind her brother Tom (Judy) Cumming.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years James, and her beloved dog Sophie.
The family will receive friends Friday, May 30th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home, 368 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, Ohio. A memorial service will take place during that time at 1:30pm.
Internment will take place at Knollwood Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joann, please visit our Tree Store.