Memories of Joann Heen Leonardini

In memory of

Joann Heen Leonardini

Moss Landing, CA, USA

May 21, 1942 - July 26, 2020

May 21, 1942 - Jul 26, 2020

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Tami Lynn Fortino-Leonardini

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marie wegerle

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Nonnie Capurro

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$1,144.00

Raised by 8 people

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Nonnie Capurro

Kauai, Hawaii, USA

Joann was my second cousin on my Grandmother Mary's side of the family. When I was a little girl I loved spending time with her and Little Tony. Many years passed and I found her by surprise. I was so excited that she lived in Kauai as I've been going there since 1975. I felt so blessed that we got to spend that time together. Joann even drove to Koloa and we went to mass together. I remember one year we got our wires crossed about who was going to host Thanksgiving dinner and am I glad she won because she made the best turkey I have ever had in my life. We had so much fun catching up and talking story. It was as if all of the years apart melted away. Joann was always fun and she will sure be missed!
A hui hou kakou sweet cousin!
Love, Nonnie

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Tami Lynn Fortino-Leonardini

Marie Chriztine

2013, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI, ??

MOTHER'S DAY 2013. I'm guessing Stephen did all the pink balloons??? Photos of Stephen & Heather proudly displayed in foreground of this picture. JoAnn was SO PROUD of her 2 children!!! I found this photo in my computer. JoAnn looks so very happy here.

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Barbara Rosenthal

marie wegerle

Tami Lynn Fortino-Leonardini

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Marie Chriztine

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John Kurtyka

I met Joanne in a figure drawing class at college. She was authentic, kind and fun to be around. We became friends.
Her uninhibited and visceral approach to painting was inspiring. I was a little jealous when they filled the front page of the Metro with one of her paintings. It was the very largely circulated culture and event newspaper of San Jose. This was a testament to the
raw power of her artwork.
On one of my visits to her house when she lived in San Jose I noticed a small dog with a dab of paint on his face. It looked like it had perhaps gone exploring a little too close to Joanne's artwork. She said, “That's Blue Spot.”

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Marie Chriztine

Tami Lynn Fortino-Leonardini

Barbara Rosenthal

Marie Chriztine

Barbara Rosenthal

Everything JoAnn did was done brilliantly and with passion. We first met when Stephen was in my second grade class. Later, we teamed up to teach Kindergarten together-we were the bane of the principal and custodian’s existence.....coloring inside the lines was not on our agenda.
Her talent as a serious artist grew with every experience and every year. Her compassion and care for those around her (both two and four-legged) was infinite. Her love for Stephen and Heather and her family filled her life. JoAnn had a wicked sense of humor and a sense of playfulness that was never far below the surface.
I will miss my friend.

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Marie Chriztine

Barbara Rosenthal

JoAnn, Kauai

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Barbara Rosenthal

JoAnn and Barbara

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Marie Chriztine

Barbara Rosenthal

House in Kapa’a

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sandra heen

Heather and Steve....I am so sorry I wasn't their for you both and Mom....cant say more at this time...still cant believe she is gone...Aunty

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Jean Steinbruner

I have known Joann since elementary Sacred Heart days. We also were at Palma together. I can remember many fun times with her: slumber parties, smoking (tobacco), Camber Ski Club, smoking, taking off at noon from closed campus in high school, smoking. One time in 8th grade she put a lizard on the teacher's (a nun) chair. It drove that nun to screams, and the class to laughter! My sister-in-law, Joan, was with her in Hawaii (supposedly taking summer college class) when she met Trippy.

When I thinkof Joann I think of a caring, fun-loving, kind person . I am so glad to have known her. The last time I saw her was at her last birthday party. Even through her ALS struggles she had a smile and was so grateful for her famiy and helpers in her life. She had a life well-lived. She is missed.

So sorry Tony, Heather, and Stephen for your loss.

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Barbara Rosenthal

Marie Chriztine

Victor Rodriguez

Aloha Heather and Stephen! My heart is very heavy with the news of your mom’s passing. She was truly a one-of-kind, fiery spirit, who was much greater than the life she was given.
The very first time I met Joann it was to discuss my petsitting services for Ms. Guida, the love of her life. We spent 4 hours together and little did I know I was about to embark on a very wild journey in the life of Joann Leonardini. I quickly learned of her LOVE for all animals, her joy of painting and music, she often played her piano for me, and her insatiable desire to travel and see the world. Her bags seemed to always be packed and ready for a new adventure. Clearly, she was a woman on a mission to, simply, live her life.
My time with your mom and our journey together has, sadly, come to an end, but I am now blessed with the gift of so many memories of her. She was a great, caring friend and I am so honored to have been the beneficiary of her many, many kindnesses. Thank you so very much for everything, Joann❣️ Your friend, always, Victor

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Mary Joe & Mandy Sato

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Mary Joe & Mandy Sato

Aloha Heather & Stephen,
Please know we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. We are so sorry to have learned about your loss. We are here for you however needed. Wishing you peace and comfort during this hard time.
Love Mary Joe & Mandy Sato

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Alex Freitas

To My Cousins, Stephen & Heather,
Although we are far apart, we are always
Family, today , I have heard of my Aunty Joann passing and I’m at a loss of words,
Emotions and tears..I am very sorry and
Your mother, my Aunty Joann as your father
Uncle George , will be with me forever in my
Heart! Aunty Joann showed me love , compassion and kindness and that I carry with me forever .. As her nephew , I will show
What she taught me to others .. I only wish I
Had some time with her recently .. that is my
regrets..Stephen and Heather , my cousins
I’m sorry for this loss, aunty Joann was a very
Caring, special person whom I’m proud to say
was my Best Aunty as Uncle George was my
Best Uncle!! I love you both .. may God keep you well, strong and blessed! With my sadness and love! Alex

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Nathalie & Gil Oetzel

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Doug Oldfield

e hoʻomaha me ka maluhia in Hawaiian and malolo i le filemu in my family's native language of Samoan. I knew Joann for over 20 years. She was always sweet, caring and usually had a big grin on her face. She was one of my favorites. I will miss her. Aloha and faatofa. Doug

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