Celebrating the life of
Jo Ann Renee Panzarello Sepela
March 19, 1958 - November 22, 2025
Jo Ann Renee Panzarello Sepela of Savannah, born March 19, 1958, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Frank Panzarello; and her sister, Jean Anne. Jo Ann was a proud, certified registered nurse who always put her patients first, offering them unconditional love and support. She was extremely dedicated to her community and was a passionate animal advocate.
She is survived by her deeply loving and devoted husband, Robert (Rob) Sepela; her son, Robert J. Pilger II (BJ); her daughter, Ashlee Marie Pilger; her granddaughter, Isabel (Izzy) Pilger; her lifelong guardian and four-legged companion, Duke; and her bonus daughter, Lana Khvatkovsky, of New York. She is also survived by her trusted friend, Lynn Winn, of Savannah. Additionally, Jo Ann is survived by her sisters: Maureen Snyder (Jack) of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; Diane Dugan of Pennsylvania; and Marguerite Panzarello (Teddy) of Loxahatchee, Florida. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
"Not all superheroes wear capes; they wear scrubs!"
Jo Ann will be deeply missed and loved.
A celebration of life will be held at the Savannah Moose Lodge, Norwood Avenue, Savannah, Georgia, on December 6, from 2 PM to 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Renegade Paws Rescue of Savannah, Georgia.
A candle has been lit!
Rest in peace sweetheart. You have touched many lives.
- Rhonda (Steele) Harris, Lexington , Kentucky
Ashlee, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I know it is hard. My Moms been gone 4 years and I still want to call her everyday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Madeline Ryle, Townsend, Georgia
Ashlee your mother was always such a sweet, supportive, and spunky woman with all of her wit and great hugs! She will be missed by so many and touch the lives of all us. Our deepest condolences to you and the family as we are sending all of our love and prayers.
- Nadia Kradenych, Bloomingdale, Ga
I am deeply sorry to hear this. I met JoAnn at the Joe and loved her immediately. When people bring up New Orleans I always share our trip ( work conference). Thank you for the memories JoAnn. Prayers and condolences to your family.
- Missy Williams Devlin, Hortense, Ga
Sending love and support to the family
- Frank McNulty p, Estero, Florida
Joann and I went to high school together. We were friends on FB may you all find peace in her memory. It was obvious how deeply she loved all of you . Toni
- Antoinette Kaufmann, Shavertown, PA
A candle has been lit!
My deepest sympathies on the loss of this former classmate and fellow RN
- Barbara Straub, Basking Ridge, NJ, NJ
Robert and family, please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of Jo Ann. We are praying for you now and in the days to come. Jimmy and Connie Deal
- Deal Family , Savannah, Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Celebration of Life
- 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sat, December 06, 2025
- Savannah Moose Lodge
-
2022 Norwood Ave. (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31406