JoAnn Diem, 70, of Groton passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 peacefully surrounded by her loved ones after a battle with cancer.
She was born on October 25, 1953, in New London to Charles P. Oddo and Josephine I. (Stevens) Oddo. She grew up on Iron Street in Ledyard, Connecticut and went to Ledyard schools.
She worked at a few restaurants and hotels in the area while raising two daughters. She had many dogs that she loved over the years.
After retiring she loved to crochet, watch true crime, PD shows and spend time playing video games with her grandchildren. She would donate to charities to help children, police and animals.
In addition to her beloved husband of 39 years, Brett Diem, she is survived by her daughter Tammy Smith and son in law Michael Smith Sr. of Old Mystic. Her daughter Josephine Mateer and son in law jason Mateer Sr. of Groton. Her grandchildren Michael Smith Jr. Zachery Smith, Alicia Smith , Jason Mateer Jr. and Jordan Mateer. Her sister in Law Robin Oddo of Ledyard, brother Gary Oddo, sister in law Carol Oddo, brother George Oddo and sister in law Sheila Montgomery of Groton, her sister Cindy Roberts of Ledyard, brother Peter Oddo Sr. of Preston, sister Kimberly Oddo of Ledyard and her stepmother Mary Oddo of Ledyard.
She is predeceased by her parents Charles P. Oddo Sr. and Josephine I. (Stevens) Oddo , her brother Charles P. Oddo Jr. and sister in law Margaret Oddo.
She will also be missed by her aunts, uncles, cousins, children she called her own, and friends.
Aunt Jo will also be sorely missed by many nieces and nephews.
JoAnn;s family will greet family and friends on Saturday, January 20 from 4 to 5:30 at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 5:30.