Joan M. Jopko, age 82, of Madison, was surrounded by her family and friends when she passed away Sunday, March 2, 2014 at the Lantern of Madison. The daughter of Lina M. (Turpeinen) and Ero A. Toppari, she was born September 8, 1931 in Painesville. Joan married Robert Jopko at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Madison on December 29, 1951.

Joan’s husband was in the Air Force when they moved to Great Falls, MT and she worked as a secretary at the Great Falls Montana Bank. Upon returning to Ohio, she became a secretary for Madison schools and after 20 years of service retired December 1, 1993, allowing her to spend more time with family and pets. Joan loved all animals, especially cats, dogs and birds. She always remembered them by buying toys and treats. Joan also spent time sewing and knitting.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Luanne M. Stewart; son, Gregory P. (Julie) Jopko; grandson, Joshua (Melissa) Stewart; great-granddaughter Gwenivere Stewart; brothers-in-law, Dave (Delores) Bailey, William (Barbara) Jopko; many loved cousins; grand puppy, Wall-e; and loving pets, Mittens, Callie, Crickett , Bella, Rusty, and their cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert in 1996; parents; former son-in-law, Albert L. Stewart and sister-in-law, Pat (Cesen) Zele; brothers-in-law John Cesen and Joseph Zele.

Friends will be received 2-4pm and 6-8pm Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at THE BEHM FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 26 River Street, Madison, OH 44057. A funeral service will be held 11am Thursday, March 6, 2014 at the funeral home with Father Sean Donnelly of Immaculate Conception Church officiating. Final Resting Place will be Fairview Cemetery in Madison.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staffs at The Lantern of Madison, Crossroads Hospice and Comfort Keepers for their loving and professional care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 9775 Rockside Rd. #270, Valley View, OH 44125 or Lake Humane Society, 7564-E Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060.