JoAnn Mary Leon

October 6, 1934 - February 20, 2022

Leon, JoAnn M. (Nee Madlener), beloved wife of 66 years to late husband Joseph "Joe" Leon, peacefully left this earth to join Joe on February 20, 2022, at the age of 87. JoAnn was a devoted mother and loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She exemplified love and strength to all those around her. Her spirit lives on in her daughter, Paula (Peter) McCarthy; sons, Mike (Sandy), Andy (Kari); grandchildren, Anthony (Rachel), Stephanie (Andrew) Guizzetti, Hannah (John) Wilson, Sam and Claudia; great grandchildren, Tenley Jo, Ryleigh Mae, Mia Elena and baby Guizzetti. JoAnn was born on October 6, 1934, in Cincinnati, Ohio and was a graduate of Mother of Mercy High School. To all those who had the privilege of knowing her, JoAnn was the ultimate hostess, always creating a welcoming and festive environment full of culinary treats for all to enjoy. She loved to play cards and games of chance. To others, she appeared to possess an abnormal amount of luck but was in fact a shrewd player and strategist who enforced the rules that a card laid is a card played. JoAnn was one of a kind; an elegant, ageless woman who was a lot of fun to be with and appreciated that sometimes it is worth paying a little more to go first class. She will be dearly missed. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist in New Brighton. Donations to the Special Olympics are appreciated in lieu of flowers.