JoAnn Stepnick Herr

JoAnn Stepnick Herr, 86, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, following a 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She faced her illness with grace and courage, remaining active and full of life until recent months.

Born May 6, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, JoAnn was the daughter of the late Charles Joseph Stepnick and Mary Ellen (Sheehy) Stepnick. She was one of seven children and is survived by her brother, Regis Stepnick.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Austin A. Herr Jr., and by her son, Austin Herr III. She is survived by five of her six children:

Susan Herr Mills (Robert "Bob" Mills),

Douglas Herr (Katie Herr),

Alicia Herr Jensen (Richard "Arjay" Jensen),

Alison Herr Christmas (John Christmas), and

Valerie Herr McWhorter, widow of the late Robert ("Rob") McWhorter.

She is also survived by her daughters-in-law Julie Huffman Herr, widow of Austin A. Herr III, and Regina Bright Herr, as well as by twelve cherished grandchildren: Caroline Mills Burruss, Robert ("Bobby") Mills Jr., Elizabeth Herr, Austin Herr IV, Douglas Herr Jr., Andrew Jensen, Alexander ("Alex") Jensen, Matthew Jensen, John Christmas Jr., Stephen Christmas II, Patrick Christmas, and Erin McWhorter.

JoAnn began her career with the Alcoa Corporation, a position that afforded her both professional fulfillment and the opportunity to see the world. While traveling through Europe, she met her future husband, Dr. Austin Herr Jr. The two fell in love and were married just five months after returning to the United States. They began a life together marked by faith, love, and devotion to family. JoAnn maintained the accounting and supported Austin's medical practice for many years. Her greatest achievement, however, was raising their six children, a legacy she cherished most and one her family will continue to celebrate with love and gratitude.

A woman of deep faith, JoAnn was an active member of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria, where she drew strength and joy from her church community. She served as a Eucharistic minister and was a devoted member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA), a service and spiritual organization that promotes faith, patriotism, and charity through community service, and charitable giving.

JoAnn was an avid supporter of the performing and visual arts, especially the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, which held a special place in her heart. She also loved attending performances at the Kennedy Center with friends and family – whether plays, musicals, or concerts – and found great joy in the shared experience of live music and theater.

After raising her six children, JoAnn became an avid tennis and golf enthusiast, spending many hours on the courts and course at Belle Haven Country Club. She also took part in her homeowner's association, lending her time to the garden committee and assisting with special events.

JoAnn is also survived by her beloved cat, Ellie, her constant companion and the third rescue she lovingly adopted from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria over the decades. She had an uncanny gift for choosing the gentlest, sweetest pets-each one a reflection of her own kind and caring nature.

A funeral mass celebrating JoAnn's life will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria. Burial and reception will follow. At JoAnn's request, there will be no public visitation; a private family gathering will be held prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations, all close to JoAnn's heart:

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

The Basilica of Saint Mary