Joanne (Cech) Severson

Joanne Susan (Cech) Severson, 90, of Tulsa, OK passed away March 18, 2025, with family at her side. Joanne was born on August 6, 1934, in Whiting, IN, to proud Czechoslovakian immigrants, Justina (Stodola) and John Cech. She was valedictorian of the 1952 Bishop Noll High School graduating class. Joanne received a BA in English from the University of Tulsa (TU) where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She was awarded a Fulbright scholarship in 1956 that she used to study literature at the University of Southampton, England. TU is where Joanne would meet the love of her life, George. They married in 1959. Joanne and George followed his petroleum career to New Orleans, LA, a place they called home for 53 years.

They had four children and, once raised, Joanne went to work for Chevron Corp. She and George returned to Tulsa where they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2024. She is survived by her children - Dianne E. Severson Head (Michael Head) and Judy A. Severson, both of Tulsa, OK, George F. Severson (Jaime Armitage) of Opelousas, LA, and Jennifer L. Severson of Livingston, MT; by her grandchildren - Jackson Head, Madeline Head, Lily Severson, and Henry Severson; and by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Donovan Severson, and her siblings: Helen Corcoran, Ann Wright, Mary Manchak, Madeline Hill, and Joseph Cech.

Joanne had a playfulness about her and truly enjoyed a good laugh out loud. She believed deeply in the power of books and read often with her children and later her grandchildren. Joanne thoroughly enjoyed music & dancing, good food, and traveling the world with her sweetheart, George. Joanne’s happy place was Seagrove Beach, FL, where she spent time with her family and gazed at sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico from her special spot: a gazebo on the dunes. Joanne will be laid to rest beside her husband at Park Grove Cemetery in Broken Arrow, OK.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. April 4, 2025, at Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa.