Date of Birth: November 17, 1965
Date of Death: March 17, 2023
JoAnne “Jo” Renee Leahy, 57, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away at home surrounded by her family on March 17, 2023, after battling gastric cancer. JoAnne was born on November 17, 1965, in Minneapolis, MN. Jo was an adventurous, fearless woman who loved the outdoors, mountain climbing, and hiking. Her passion was for mountain biking, and she loved nothing more than to head out for a ride after a long week of work as a nurse in the Emergency Department. Her nursing career spanned over 25 years and included military service in the Army during Desert Storm, flight nursing, and many years as both a nurse and director in the ED/ICU. On Christmas Eve 2004, Jo introduced herself to her new coworker, Douglas Leahy, and gifted him a bottle of red wine. They married in March 2006 and together cared for Jo’s three children (Michael, Anthony, Christina) and welcomed their daughter Abby in 2007. In October 2021, JoAnne was diagnosed with Stage 4 gastric cancer where she began to travel 300 miles round trip to Tucson multiple times a month for oncology appointments, testing and 34 rounds of chemotherapy over the course of 16 months. Between treatments, Jo organized a bucket-list “Grannies Gone Wild” camping trip with her sister and two sisters-in-law through several national parks in AZ, UT, and CO. As much as she loved the outdoors, she loved her family more. She was beloved by her husband, children, and grandchildren. JoAnne is survived by her husband Douglas, her children Michael (Shannon), Anthony (Alexi), Christina (Mark), and Abby, her grandchildren Judah and Dawson, her mother Jean, and her siblings Greg (Kim), Trish (Steve), and John ‘Mike’ (Yecha ‘YeSung’). She was predeceased by her father George Olson. “Man’s chief purpose is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them, I shall use my time.”
Service Information
Celebration of life to be held on Friday night from 5-8 at Rio Vista Recreation Center Lakeview Room. It is located at 8866 W Thunderbird Rd Peoria, AZ 85381. Casual attire is fine. Food and drinks for all who attend.
Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, or Hospice of the Valley, both organizations she felt strongly about.
We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Although I didn’t get to know you very well you were a cousin with might. I loved George and Jean but you had moved to Arizona and I was always in Wisconsin. Rest in peace and really know your family loves you even now as you rest. Be good Jo and someday we wil meet again.
Ric and I both rode with Joanne and I worked at Abrazo hospital she was at for many years. I was in x-ray and she was director of ER. A joy and passion in all she did work or play. From her Instagram it looks like she came to know Christ personally which was a great thing!
Joanne is the kind of person we all aspire to be in our own lives. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed by all of us. Her light will shine on.
My dear Doug and family. I am devastated to hear of JoAnne’s passing . My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. She truly was one of the finest nurses I’ve ever worked with. Her smile and infectious laugh were second to none. Love to all of you!
I am so sorry to hear this. JoAnne taught me so much! I came to the ED young and inexperienced and I really looked up to her and enjoyed being around her so much. She was one of the smartest and most caring people I have ever known.
My deepest condolences. Joanne was such a great person, fantastic nurse and manager. She will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you.
I am blessed to have known such a happy and loving individual. Prayers for peace and love for the family.
Dear Doug and Leahy Family…. we are so very saddened to learn of this loss. While we had never met JoAnne, we know through Doug how special she was. Our deepest condolences, prayers and strength for those she left behind. Cherish her through the sweet memories
To the Leahy family,
May God give you comfort during this difficult time.
The Duncan family
I’m very sorry for you loss, this is something that I was in shock. Jo Ann was the best nurse I ever met. My condolences to Doug and family.
My deepest sympathy, JoAnne inspired me to live my life to the fullest and to smile at everyone you encounter. She had such a great laugh and attitude. I will dearly miss her.
Dear Leahy family, my condolences to you all. Joanne was a great friend, mentor, and nurse. We had many great memories and Joanne will be greatly missed. God bless you all .
Dear JoAnne’s family,
Words cannot even begin to express how sorry I am to hear of JoAnne’s passing. We first crossed paths in 2015 when she hired me in the ER at Baptist and I can say, with zero doubt, that she was the glue that held that ER together. She was so vivacious, smart (we used to nerd out together talking about medical podcasts all of the time), always going out of her way to help others, and above all else- she was kind. I can honestly can say that I don’t think she had a mean bone in her body.
We could all tell that she loved her family SO much! Whether it be showing us pictures of her beautiful kids or promoting her brother’s book- her love for her family was always evident.
Although she might be gone from this earth she will forever be engrained in every single person’s life with whom she met along the way. Rest in peace, JoAnne- it was truly an honor and a blessing to have known you. Thank you for everything,
Love Molly
Even though I worked with JoAnn for a short period of time at Abrazo, she was always there to lend a helping hand no matter what. Her kindness was unmatched and our family is praying for yours during this difficult time.
Prayers and love for all of you🙏❤️ JoAnne was a beautiful lady inside and out❤️ I am so glad our paths crossed❤️
My deepest condolences…I worked with JoAnne for many years . Even though we didnt work in the same department, she was ALWAYS someone you could go to for most anything. Extremely helpful & always had a great smile & attitude. She will be greatly missed.
So sorry for your loss
I’m so sad to hear if Joanne’s passing. I worked with her at Abrazo for about 4 years. As the Director of the Emergency Department Joanne was a truly remarkable and dedicated leader. Her ability to manage highly stressful and unpredictable situations with calming presence, care and understanding was a gift to all. She was one of the best people I have ever met She will be missed. Dana