Joanne Mary Tedesco Ulrey, 89, of Syracuse, died on April 21, 2026 at home. Joanne was an active member of the community and matriarch of a large family of children, 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Born in Buffalo, New York on January 3rd, 1937, to Florence (Geising) and William Tedesco, she married Norman A. Ulrey of Ligonier in June of 1959 after graduating from Indiana University. The have four children: John (Billie Krom) Ulrey, Joseph (Katherine Heckner) Ulrey, Nancy (Gaylord) Cunningham and Ann (Robert) Ryan.

Always an active member of the community, Joanne taught Physical Education, worked as an aide in the schools, led Girl Scouts, was chairman of the Noble County Red Cross Board, was on the board of the West Noble Day Care Center, was 1990 Ligonier Citizen of the Year, served on Ligonier City Council and was a member of Study Club. Joanne was a member of St. Martin de Porres where she taught Sunday School. Prior to her involvement at St. Martin’s, she was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Ligonier where she taught Sunday School and was a member of Sodality, holding various offices.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her grandsons, Zack Ulrey and Theo Gregory.

Calling will be on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Yeager Funeral Home. Mass will be at St. Martin de Porres in Syracuse on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 11 a.m. with one hour of calling prior. 

Memorials in Joanne’s honor can be given to St. Martin de Porres in Syracuse.