Beloved Youngstown Woman Joanne Protain Passes Away at 79

Lake Park Cemetery, Youngstown, Ohio, USA - Joanne F. Protain, a lifelong resident of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on September 6, 1946, she was the beloved daughter of the late Louis H. and Frances Wetherbee Protain. A fixture in the downtown area, she dedicated over two decades of her life working at Dollar Savings and Trust, where she made many friends and cherished memories.

Joanne was well known for her vibrant spirit, often lighting up the room with her love for crocheting and games of bingo. Her late-night adventures to Walmart with her dear friend, Miss Addier Douglas, became the stuff of local legends. In quieter moments, she enjoyed watching reruns of “The Golden Girls” and “The Price is Right,” often accompanied by her great-nephew, Braydon McElhinny.

Family and Legacy

She leaves behind a strong family legacy, including two brothers, James (Rosemary) Protain Sr. and John (Debbie) Protain. Her surviving relatives also feature a warm array of nephews and nieces: James Protain Jr., Dr. Joseph (Dr. Alison) Protain, Stacy Hill (fiance, Ryan Piszczek), Kim (Thomas) Stimple, Randi (Matt) McElhinny, Kristy (Chris) Olinik, and Christopher Protain. The family, alongside numerous great-nephews and great-nieces, and three great-great-nephews, gathered in mourning while sharing cherished memories.

A private funeral service was held on July 14, 2025, at the Fox Funeral Home, and she was laid to rest at Lake Park Cemetery. The arrangements were expertly handled by Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home in Boardman, Ohio, a well-regarded institution that has served countless families during their times of need. Those wishing to extend their condolences can visit www.foxfuneralhome.org for Joanne’s obituary and tributes from family and friends.

Obituary Resources in Mahoning County

Mahoning County holds a wealth of resources for those looking to find obituaries and memorials, as highlighted by Newspaper Obituaries. Local services such as WKBN TV Station and My Valley Tributes provide comprehensive obituary listings throughout the area, ensuring that those who have passed are honored and remembered. Additionally, the LDS Genealogy offers a detailed collection of Mahoning County obituaries, helping families trace their roots and remember their loved ones.

Several funeral homes in the region, including Brown Funeral Home, F D Mason Memorial, and Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, also feature obituary listings that make it easier for the community to pay their respects.

Joanne’s story is just one among many in Mahoning County, a place where family ties run deep and memories are cherished. As we reflect on the lives of those who shaped our community, it is a reminder to hold our loved ones a little closer and celebrate their journeys.