Hi, I'm Mathew Sage. My Grammy, JoAnne Sage-Smith, aged 77, suddenly but peacefully passed away in her sleep in the early hours of January 3, 2025. JoAnne had been suffering for years with multiple health conditions and was recently diagnosed in October, 2024 with late stage metastatic cancer.

As a member of countless charities and animal rescue centers, JoAnne dedicated her life to helping those in need whether it be to family members, children in Foster Care, the elderly as a Home Caregiver, and even as a safe home to rescue animals. Our family is devastated over the loss of such a figure. Nobody could replace the love and joy she brought to our lives. Even in the face of hardship, her unwavering faith in God guided her through every aspect of life and will continue to be the foundation of our family's lives. I was blessed to spend nearly every holiday with her no matter the circumstances. I cannot count the amount of days spent at her house whether it was for her birthday with all of my extended family, or just a weekend in the summer cooking our favorite foods and renting movies.

She is survived by her two brothers, three sons, and seven grandchildren. Even in her final days, JoAnne's concerns were focused on provisions for her rescue dogs Queen, Cody and her loving cat Blue. My grandmother had a life insurance policy to cover her memorial services and end-of-life wishes. Unfortunately, the policy was terminated without her knowledge and she was refused renewal. I am creating this fundraiser in hopes of still being able to carry out her final wishes.

I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and love sent via FaceBook, text messages, calls, and cards. Grammy would be overjoyed to know so she had touched so many lives.

All donations made will be used to fund memorial services and care for her rescued animals (food costs, vet bills, rehoming.) Any remaining funds will be donated to her first choice no kill animal shelter.