REHOBOTH BEACH - Joanne Theresa Fischer, of Milford, Delaware passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 4, 2022. She was 72.

Joanne was born at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. on September 11, 1949, daughter of the late Joseph Paul Pierman and Anna Catherine Pierman.

The family transferred to Dover Air Force Base, where Joanne attended elementary and middle school, and eventually moved to Milford. Joanne graduated from Milford High School and continued her studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Delaware in 1971 and a master’s degree in Education from Delaware State University in 1992.

Ms. Fischer was employed in the Milford School District as a fourth-grade teacher at Lulu Ross Elementary School before stepping away to raise her children. After a 10-year hiatus, Joanne returned as a first-grade teacher at Banneker Elementary and Morris Early Childhood Center. Teaching was her true passion in life.

Joanne adored her grandchildren and was affectionately known to them as "Baba." She loved playing tennis, driving to the beach with the top down on her convertible, and dancing. Joanne was always up for an adventure and traveled to many countries. She will always be remembered for her loving and kind manner and fun spirit.

She is survived by her children, Margaux Azzanesi and husband Steve, Elizabeth Zarzavadjian Fischer and husband Romain, and Richard S. Fischer, Jr. and fiancée Katie Levy; and ten grandchildren, Luke Azzanesi, Paul Azzanesi, Marin Azzanesi, Anna Zarzavadjian Fischer, Morgane Zarzavadjian Fischer, Emma Fischer, Lyla Fischer, Tripp Fischer, Finn Fischer, and Reid Fischer.

The family welcomes you to join them in a service to celebrate Joanne’s life on Thursday, August 11 at 11 a.m. at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Avenue, Milford. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 10th, from 5-7 p.m. and on Thursday, August 11th, from 10-11 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Joanne to the Milford Public Library’s Children’s Library, 11 SE Front Street, Milford, DE 19963, https://milford.lib.de.us/friends/.