Joanne Monica Reilly

Joanne (Jo or JoJo) was born on December 29, 1943 to John and Odessa Bahr, in International Falls, Minnesota. At the age of 79, Joanne passed away on July 24, 2023. Jo was survived by her husband Steve Corwin, who passed away on September 21, 2023.  She also left behind two brothers, Butch and Allen, and her sister Peggy, as well as two step-children, Leslie and Scott, and multiple grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  Her remaining brothers, John, Billy, and Charlie, had already passed.

Joanne grew up on the family farm in Minnesota, and later moved to Arizona in her teenage years, where she attended Gilbert High School.  In her twenties, she found herself driving cross-country in a semi-truck delivering furniture.  Her nieces and nephews have fond memories of her pulling up in the 18-wheeler, no small feat for someone of her petite frame.  If that weren’t cool enough, when not trying to see over the steering wheel of a big rig, she could also be found riding motorcycles!

A few years later, Jo decided to leave the open road behind and pursue her higher education.  She took night classes while working full time, earning her degree in engineering.  She went on to a career at Motorola and Philips as an engineer, where she met her future husband, Steve.  They moved to California, married, and settled in San Jose, where they lived for twenty-five years.  Jo enjoyed gardening and spending time with her Dobermans and cats.  During that time, Steve and Jo also cared for her mother, Odessa, who lived with them the remainder of her life.

After retiring, Jo and Steve returned to Arizona to spend more time with their family.  Despite the distance, JoJo always maintained close ties with her beloved little sister Peggy.  While Jo had many accomplishments in her life, her greatest joy came from doting on “Her Stevie” and talking with Peggy every day.