Joann Elizabeth Brinza

Joann Elizabeth Brinza went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of
88, at Highland Springs Memory Care in Dallas, Texas. Born September 1, 1937, in
Cleveland, Ohio, she was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Michael and Margaret
Brinza.
She is survived by her sister, Connie McCreery of Dallas, TX; niece, Lisa Griffin (Bill) of
Dallas, TX; and nephew, Mark McCreery (Sharon) of Burnsville, NC. Known affectionately
as “Joannie” or “AJ” to friends and family, she was a devoted figure to her great-nieces and
great-nephews: Lauren (Matthew), Michael (Ellie), Andrew, and Madison. She loved these
"grandkids" fiercely, always offering an encouraging smile, kind words, and quiet prayers.
Her longtime neighbors on Plainsfield Avenue in Brooklyn, Ohio—Carol Hovan and her
children, Tina and Chris—were cherished as her extended family.
A proud graduate of Brooklyn High School, Joannie returned there to spend her career as a
dedicated chemistry teacher until her retirement. She instilled kindness, a love for
science, and lifelong learning habits in generations of students. She holds both an
undergraduate and master’s degree in chemistry from Ohio University.
Joannie’s life story is defined by her vibrant passions. She had a lifelong love for cars—
ranging from Studebakers to Jaguars and Fords—and always kept a highly desired vehicle
in her driveway. Her extensive tool room was the envy of many, used for car maintenance,
household projects, and her diverse hobbies, which included creating stained glass,
making jewelry, playing the piano, and building a basement train set. Though few projects
were ever completely finished, her joy lay in the process, the collecting, and sharing her
enthusiasm with others. She also loved animals, opening her home (which she shared with
her mother until Margaret's passing in 2010) to many neighborhood cats and a succession
of seven beloved Chihuahuas, all named Pebbles.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on July 18 at St. Thomas More Catholic
Church, 4170 N. Amber Lane, Brooklyn, Ohio, preceded by a visitation from 10:00-11:00
AM. Interment will follow at the Brinza family gravesite alongside her parents at Holy Cross
Cemetery in Brook Park, Ohio.

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