Like so many during this time, we are absolutely devastated. Although we knew her breast cancer had returned, we were confident that she'd beat it again, or at least have a few more years with us. We, like many of you that knew her, knew she was a fighter... And that's exactly what she did. She fought till the very end — so much so, that none of us thought it was the end just yet.

Anyone will tell you that you should prepare for death, that no one is too good to beat it, but if there was anyone who deserved to, it was definitely JoAnn. She brightened the lives of so many with her laugh, quirky personality, numerous hobbies and skills, wise advice, and selfless means of carrying herself. Like a single source of light in an all too dim world, JoAnn attracted people wherever she went. She was the kind of person who was overflowing with love. Her smile, singing, dancing, and laughter could instantly light up a room.

She lived for helping others and for enriching the lives of everyone she came across. This mentality isn’t innate for all, but for JoAnn, it was. She coached soccer with the AYSO, regularly volunteered at the Special Olympics, was known to attend Cancer fund raising events, and even became a certified lifeguard. She was always more than happy if she could put even one of her many skills to use helping somebody.

Fiercely devoted to family and a caregiver at heart, JoAnn not only raised her two children as a single mother, she also took on caring for various other relatives and friends. If anyone needed something, her door was always open. If she didn't have what they needed, she'd find a way to either make or obtain it. She was known for giving until she had nothing left, never turning her back on someone who needed help.

In 2010/2011 she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. As she struggled through her own treatments, she continued to work while taking care of her children, her ailing father, and her sick step-mother. Despite everything she was going through, she never lost her faith, spirit, smile, or love for life. She did everything she could to maintain a positive attitude through such difficult times. Once she was declared cancer free, she became a devoted Breast Cancer awareness advocate.

In 2018 JoAnn was suddenly laid off from the company she'd been employed by for nearly 20 years. Despite that, she continued to support her family and friends in any way she could. Unfortunately, in the summer of 2021, after struggling with what we thought was simply a cold that was a bit too hard to shake, we got the awful news that her cancer had returned and metastasized to her lungs, liver, and bones. On top of the Cancer diagnosis, we learned that she was suffering from Pneumonia and, soon after being hospitalized, she contracted Covid-19.

JoAnn remained in the hospital for a few months before she was able to return home. Once back where she was happiest and most comfortable, she worked hard to remain as healthy as can be, spent as much time as possible going on adventures, making memories, and loving on everyone she held near to her heart. She always made it a point to let people know how much she loved them and how important they were to her. Everything she did, she did with love.

Although we knew JoAnn was sick, we did not know that she would go downhill so rapidly and be gone in the blink of an eye. As you can imagine, my family was not prepared for her sudden passing. Times have not been kind in terms of finances and the loss of our beloved matriarch has been crushingly devastating. We're not prepared for the financial burden that comes with a proper funeral service or the fees that will arise from the unexpected yet necessary legal services in regards to our family home. That is why I am reaching out to you all in hopes that you’ll show your support as we navigate through this difficult, stressful, and terrifying time.

I want to thank you all so much for taking the time to read about JoAnn Slade. She was truly a rare gem and will be missed dearly. Thank you for your donation, considering to donate, your thoughts and prayers - everything. 

Many blessings,

Alanna Slade