It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the tragic and untimely death of JoAnn Marie Garelli, who was brutally taken from us on January 7, 2025, at Forest Park in Springfield, MA. JoAnn was born in Springfield on March 12, 1968, to Barbara A. Russo (Cammisa) and the late Joseph T. Russo of Agawam, MA. JoAnn's passing has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

JoAnn was a woman who defied expectations at every turn. Standing at just 4'10" and weighing a mere 90 pounds, she was never one to be underestimated. A graduate of Agawam High School's class of 1986, JoAnn went on to driving 18-wheelers. A New England Tractor Trailer Training School graduate, she spent years hauling freight regionally and across the country, proving her remarkable strength in a male-dominant profession. Her grit and determination were unmatched, and she earned the respect of all who worked with her.

Her strength, however, was not just physical. JoAnn battled the disease of addiction for a long time with long stints of sobriety. She had a kind soul and had so much love for others despite her struggles. JoAnn was a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a friend—roles she held with pride, offering warmth and care to all who crossed her path.

Known affectionately as "Auntie Wannie," JoAnn was the fun-loving, free-spirited aunt who brought laughter and joy wherever she went. Whether riding big wheels with the kids or goofing around at family gatherings, her spirit was infectious, and her smile radiant.  She had a zest for life and loved to travel; some of her fondest memories were trips to Coney Island and ice skating at Rockefeller Center in New York. Above all, JoAnn had a generous, kind, and loving nature.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience and is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Herd, and Elizabeth's fiancé Andrew Santiago; her three precious grandchildren: Alexandra Meehan, Giovanni Santiago, and Isabella Santiago of West Springfield; as well as her siblings: Vivian Lyons of Bradenton, FL, Laurie Littlefield and Debra Lefave, both of Agawam. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews: Diana, David, and Jeffrey Dziardziel, Patrick Lefave, Victoria Littlefield and her son Jaxon, Stefanie Littlefield and Joe McDyer and their two children: Olivia and Nolan, Tiffany Littlefield, and Robert Littlefield Jr., along with her uncle Raymond and Diane Cammisa.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Jessica Herd, who passed at the tender age of two, and her grandparents, Thomas and Rose (Albano) Russo of Agawam and Marco and Ida (Annicchiarico) Cammisa of Feeding Hills, and her nephew Douglas Towse Jr.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Agawam Funeral Home, 184 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. A Funeral Home Service will begin at 11:30 AM, followed by a Committal Service at Springfield Street Cemetery.