JoAnn Bates (nee Fratena), age 76, of Mentor on the Lake, passed away June 8th, 2026 at Hillcrest Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born December 3rd, 1949 in Painesville, Ohio to the late Michael and Martha Fratena.
JoAnn worked as a registered rehab nurse for over 40 years, retiring from Euclid Rehab Hospital.
JoAnn loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed her book club, birdwatching, and luncheons with her friends. She also loved her dog “Luigi”.
JoAnn was the loving mother of Jack (Patrice Auyong) Bates, and Michelle (Matt) Friel; beloved grandma “Nona” of Marco and Scarlett Auyong, Megan, Matthew, and Memphis Friel; dearest sister of Diane (Frank) Cook, and Mike (Ramonna) Fratena; aunt to many nieces and nephews.
The Bates family will receive family and friends from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 1000 Mentor Ave., Painesville. A funeral service will follow at 6:30 PM Thursday at the funeral home.
Donations can be made in JoAnn’s name to Rainbow Babies and Children’s University Hospital https://fundraise.uhgiving.org/fundraiser/7357129
Reader interactions
6 Replies to “JoAnn Bates (nee Fratena)”
I’m so sorry. I remember how she was so friendly and loved “hanging out” with Michelle ❤️. She really will be missed.
So many wonderful and warm memories of time spent with your mom/nona, both in and out of the work place. We shared tears over the years, but mostly laughter. 45 years of memories. She will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences to all.
Deepest sympathies, JoAnn was a dear woman. I loved working with her at St. Gabe’s. I know family was everything to her and she will be deeply missed.
JoAnn was my first nurse manager when I was a new graduate RN at Euclid hospital’s rehab unit. She taught me a lot of important lessons. A couple of which I still pass along to new grad nurses today. May she rest in peace. My condolences to Jack, Michelle, and your families.
Sending my condolences to the family. Joann and I were friends in high school snd continued our friendship when she attended Ashland college and Lakeland. I have very fond memories of those times. Tried to reconnect last summer when visiting Ohio but she had a sporting event with one of the grands. Wish i could have seen her. Im sure she has a special place in heaven. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sending prayers to the family. 🙏 Family was everything to her. She was always telling us about her kids and grandchildren in a joyful way. I worked with her in rehab for many years and she was always caring and helpful! I will miss her greatly and how she always saw the funny side of things.❤️ The last time I saw her was last December at our Christmas dinner and we had a few laughs about nursing and the crazy things we went through. She had a great memory and relived things that I had forgotten. RIP Joann.
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