JoAnne Reynolds (Frassinello)

JoAnne Reynolds (Frassinello)

September 28, 1955 – November 1, 2024

With profound love and sorrow, we announce the passing of JoAnne Reynolds, who peacefully left this world on November 1, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. JoAnne was born on September 28, 1955, in Ukiah, California, to Joe and Norma Frassinello. She was a devoted daughter, loving mother, proud grandmother, and cherished sister. JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Tavia Lynn Hunt.

She leaves behind her son, Charlie Reynolds; daughter, MaryJo Reynolds; stepson, Joseph Nace; and her beloved grandchildren, Brice James Dowd, Tavia Zita Lynn Ramos, Emerald Jade Reynolds, and Natalia Frassinello Cervantes. JoAnne is also survived by her sister, Marsha Wharff, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Her NA family and the many people whose lives she touched will feel her absence deeply, as her love and support were a constant presence in their lives.

A lifelong resident of Ukiah, JoAnne graduated from Ukiah High School in 1973, where she began a lifelong pursuit of helping others. She became a licensed cosmetologist, also served briefly in the U.S. Army before returning to Ukiah, where she worked for the County of Mendocino until her retirement in 1993.

However, it was in 1996 that JoAnne found her true calling. That year, she discovered Narcotics Anonymous, which became the cornerstone of her recovery. JoAnne’s journey was marked by courage and determination, especially after a near-fatal car accident in April 1999. That tragic event became the turning point in her life, as she embraced NA and the support it offered. With 25 years of sobriety, JoAnne transformed her life—and in turn, helped countless others do the same.

Her greatest gift was her boundless compassion for others. JoAnne was a lifeline for anyone struggling with addiction, offering her help, her time, and her love without hesitation. No matter the hour, if someone needed her, she was there—ready to listen, to support, and to remind them that recovery was possible. Her infectious laugh, radiant smile, and warm spirit were a beacon of hope to all who knew her.

JoAnne’s legacy is one of strength, love, and service. She showed everyone around her that it is never too late to begin anew and that no one is ever beyond hope. Through her own story, she taught us all that with courage, faith, and support, we can rise above the darkest moments of our lives.

JoAnne lived by the Serenity Prayer, which served as her guide and inspiration throughout her journey: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference."

JoAnne's love, her smile, and her unwavering belief in the potential for change will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 10am at Ukiah Cemetery. A Reception will follow at the Ukiah Conference Center.