JoAnne J. Woinarowicz, 92, of Grand Forks, ND and formerly of Stephen, MN passed away Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks.

JoAnne Jannette Thompson was born on October 15, 1933, in a log cabin in Roosevelt, MN, the daughter of Clarence and Bessie (Allard) Thompson.  JoAnne lived with her grandparents, George and Mary Carlson, in Warroad, MN and later graduated from Alvarado High School in Alvarado, MN.  Following high school, she was employed as a telephone operator in Donaldson, MN.  JoAnne married Ernest Woinarowicz on June 30th, 1952, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Oslo, MN.  While Ernest served in the United States Army during the Korean War, JoAnne lived in Chicago, IL and was employed in factory work. Following the war, JoAnne and Ernest lived on a farm near Stephen, MN where they raised their 7 children.  Ernest preceded her in death in 2000.

JoAnne enjoyed reading, gardening, listening to music, dancing, baking, cooking, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and Bingo. She loved animals and was always willing to care for and nurture any that were sick or hurt. She loved visiting with her neighbors and making new friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family who she loved deeply often being known as the "Candy Grandma". She was a longtime member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and St. Stephen's Catholic Church.

She is survived by her sons, Bradley (Kathy), Roswell, GA, Leslie (Corinda), Jamestown, ND; her daughters, Marietta Keenan (Scott Immer) Rochert, MN, Suzanne (Mrs. Gene) Gajeski, Grand Forks, ND, Tina (Monte) Volk, Mandan, ND, and Tara (Mike) Torrey, Grand Forks, ND; a brother, Floyd Thompson, Chicago, IL; a sister, Carol Thompson, Warroad, MN; 22 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ernest, son, Gary, grandchildren, Carissa and Andrew, a brother, Clarence Thompson and a sister, Jean Varner.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, in St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation : One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Monday.
Interment: At a later date, in St. Stephens Cemetery, Stephen, MN.