Joan M. Fitch

Joan M. Fitch (nee: VanNiel), 84 years of age, and a lifetime resident of Amherst, passed away  Monday, November 9,  2020, at Mercy Hospital following a lengthy illness.

Joan was born June 27, 1936, in Amherst, OH and spent her entire life in the Amherst area.

Joan was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she served in various ministries including as a Eucharistic minister.  One of her greatest joys was saying the rosary daily. She was a devoted wife to her loving husband of sixty-seven years Martin, loving mother   of six, grandmother of eighteen, great grandmother of six, and great great grandmother of one grandson. She treasured her family and loved to travel, visiting Amish country and flea markets.  Joan had an infectious smile and contagious laugh that enabled her to make many friends and acquaintances.

Survivors include her beloved husband of  Martin Fitch; her children Mark Fitch of Crestwood, KY; Michael (Debby) Fitch of Lawrenceville, GA; Pamela Fitch of Amherst; Janice (Ronald) Mitchell of Oberlin; Peggy (Robert) Browning of Greenville, SC; Catherine Fitch of Marlboro NJ; 18 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; her brother Wayne VanNiel (Jackie) of Amherst; and her sisters Regina Dalzell of Amherst; Marilyn (Herbert) Lamprecht  of Amherst.

Joan was preceded in death by a grandson Christopher Fitch; a granddaughter Tina Glemza; her brothers Leonard and Robert VanNiel; and her parents Edwin and Lucy Anna VanNiel (nee: Gilles)

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. at  St. Joseph Catholic Church; 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst. The Rev. Fr. Timothy O’Connor will officiate.  Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Hospital, Tennessee.

Please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

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