Joanne Purnell

Mrs. Joanne Papesh Purnell, 79, of Hickory, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Trinity Ridge, following a period of declining health.

Joanne was born on February 1, 1946 in Cleveland, OH, to the late Jerry Papesh and Hilda Ware Papesh. She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker, who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Cale, a daughter, Kimberly Cale, and by her eight siblings.

Surviving is her son, Darren Cale and wife Mary of Hickory, two grandsons, Edward Cale and Ricky Cale, and three grandchildren: Cianna Cale, Preston cale and Avery Cale.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the Purnell family.