Joanne Sutton

Joanne Renee Sutton, age 76, of Lakeside, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, due to complications from ovarian cancer.

Born on January 18, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, Joanne was the daughter of the late Thomas and Anne Sutton. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, a reflection of her lifelong love of language, learning, and the written word. She was a talented writer, a voracious reader, and, in the eyes of her family, the smartest person they knew. Her youngest grandchild once said, "Yia Yia is like Google to me," while her husband, Joe, affectionately called her "The Literary Giant of the Western Hemisphere." After meeting one of her favorite authors, Tom Robbins, she proudly accepted the title he gave her: "The Legendary Joanne."

Joanne spent meaningful years on Put-in-Bay, where she worked in several island restaurants, including the Boathouse, Crescent Tavern, Skyway, Castle Inn, and the Crew's Nest. During that time, she met Jeffrey Bykowski. They were married at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Put-in-Bay in 1975, and welcomed their son, Benjamin, a year later. They later purchased their first home on East Point, where their daughter, Crystal, was born at home in 1978 and became known as the last baby girl born on the island, a story Joanne always treasured.

Life later brought Joanne and her children to Lakeside, where she began a new chapter and put her journalism degree to work at North Coast Typographic in Port Clinton. She later became a technical writer at Stein, where she worked until her retirement. On September 19, 1987, Joanne married Joseph Martin at her beloved Grandma Esther's farm home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, with her two children standing by her side.

Joanne had an extraordinary ability to talk with anyone, making people feel comfortable, heard, and valued. Though she had little in the way of role models for parenting, she became an exceptional mother through instinct, determination, and unconditional love. Long before wellness became fashionable, she embraced healthy living, exercise, yoga, mindfulness, and spirituality. She also cherished lifelong friendships, especially with her beloved group, The Cosmic Women.

Joanne's creative spirit touched many parts of her life. She had a beautiful alto voice, sang with the Leonard Bernstein Orchestra, performed in music and theatre productions, and played violin and guitar. She was also a talented gymnast and figure skater. She found peace in gardening and joy in monarch butterflies. Cardinals, which reminded her of her Grandma Esther, were special to her. Her spirit animal was the owl, whose wisdom and quiet strength reflected her own. She loved the water and enjoyed kayaking, including trips from her backyard to Kelley's Island.

Her greatest joy was being "Yia Yia" to her grandchildren: Bodhi, Beckmin, and Boone Bykowski, and Olivia and Emma Jurkiewicz. She loved them deeply and created memories with them that they will carry for the rest of their lives.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Joe Martin of Lakeside, Ohio; her son, Benjamin (Christy) Bykowski of Avon, Ohio; her daughter, Crystal (Nick) Jurkiewicz of Ottawa Lake, Michigan; her adored grandchildren; her brother, Tom Sutton; her niece, Kelly Hunt; and her nephews, Kevin and Kyle Hunt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Anne Sutton; her sister, Dianne Pillon; her first husband, Jeffrey Bykowski; and her beloved Grandma Esther.

Visitation will be held at the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home, 216 Washington Street, Port Clinton, Ohio, on Friday, April 17th, 2026, from 4-7 pm.

Per Joanne's wishes, she has been cremated. A Memorial Mass followed by a celebration of life will be held on August 1st, 2026, on Put-in-Bay.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to a cause close to Joanne's heart:

1. Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)

PO Box 32141, 43456, New York, NY 10087-2141

Online gifts may be made at ocrahope.org/donate or by phone at (212) 268-1002.

Thank you for honoring Joanne's memory by supporting the fight against ovarian cancer and helping advance research, awareness, and support for those affected by this disease.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com