Joanne Gmaz Vann

Mrs. Joanne Gmaz Vann, 91, of Durham NC, passed away peacefully at the Carolina House of Chapel Hill, Sunday, September 1, 2013. Borneebruary 7, 1922 in Dayton, Ohio, she was the second of two children born to Anna and Peter Gmaz. Raised in Dayton, she was a first generation American, both parents having immigrated from Croatia, Yugoslavia. She attended Duquesne Uneersity as an arts and science major, and was a featured performer with the uneersity's world famous Tamburitzans. It was performing for visiting air cadets where she met Arthur Vann II, and they were married January 4, 1944. She is survived by 11 of her twelve children; Cynthia, Susan Galluzzo Tino, Elleneearsall Phillip, Sarah Wyne Chris, Gooche Stricklin, Liza Smith Cameron, Woody Lisa, Peter Cari, Amy Efland Mark, John and David/Doobie; seveneen grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren She is preceded ineeath by her husband, Arthur Vann II, her son, Arthur Vann III, her parents and brother, Bill Gmaz. Visitation will be at 10:00 am on Thursday September 5th at Immaculate Conception Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00. The burial will be private. The family will join friends immediately following at a reception at the Washington Duke Inn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's organization of your choice. The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff and caregivers at Carolina House of Chapel Hill for their compassionee and professional care of our extraordinary mother over these last several years. Arrangements are being haneed by Hall-Wynne Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent through Hallwynne.com.