Joan Ann “Joey” Magnuson, 83, passed away Sunday, May 3, surrounded by her loving family. Born May 22, 1942 to Joseph and Jane (Darby) Gerhart, Joey was the unexpected, younger identical twin to her “older” sister Jeanie. Joey grew up in Sandusky and enjoyed her role as the baby of seven children. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1960 and in 1964, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Mary Manse College, Toledo.
Joey taught elementary school for a few years before marrying Eric Magnuson on July 2, 1966. They lived in Inglewood, California and Huron, Ohio before settling in Fremont, Ohio where they raised their children.
Joey was a stay-at-home mom who was involved in numerous organizations over the years through her church Sacred Heart, and through her children’s various schools. With her children grown, Joey went back to work as a nurse's aide at Valley View Health Campus in Fremont.
In retirement, Joey and Eric moved to Sandusky until Eric’s passing in 2023 when she moved to Fairview Park to be close to her children and her twin. Joan moved to Haven at Lakewood in early 2026, where she lived until her death.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gregory Gerhart, and her sisters Elizabeth Smith, Frances Hoffman, Kathleen Russell, Mary Alice Roth, and Jeanie Roth. She is survived by her five children: Michael of Gibsonburg, Susan (Ken) Beech of Cleveland, Ann (Darrell) Weaver of Barberton, Sarah (John) Taylor of Cleveland, and Eric, Jr of Cleveland; and by her nine grandchildren, whom she adored: Joseph and Katherine Magnuson, Lillian and Sophia Beech, Mary and John Taylor, Theresa (Jay Jay) Calloo, and Georgia and Caroline Weaver. Also surviving are dozens of nieces and nephews.
Joey loved nothing more than to visit with family and friends, take a bus trip to a casino, watch Jeopardy, play Scrabble, read books, drink coffee, and eat sweets. She never met a baby she didn’t like and will be remembered for her unfailing kindness to everyone, her sweet smile, and her deep, deep dimples. She adored flowers, especially in shades of pink and red, and would love it if you sent them but if you’d like to make a donation instead, please consider St. Jude or Covenant House.
Mass of the Christian Burial Friday May 8th at 11AM at Our Lady of Angels Church 3644 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment at a later date at OWRNC. Family will receive friends at DONLON FUNERAL HOME 15408 TRISKETT RD. THURSDAY 5-8PM.