JoAnn Nitschke, peacefully passed away on September 7, 2016 in Leesburg, Florida. The daughter of Julia Krol and John Leonard, JoAnn was born in Port Chester, New York. JoAnn and her late husband James P. Nitschke, D.D.S., resided in Rye, NY until 2006 when they moved to Leesburg. JoAnn and James were avid nature lovers and had a great appreciation for outstanding landscapes and wildlife. JoAnn had always been an animal lover and her pets meant the world to her. She doted on her schnauzer, Duchess, her parakeets and her Himalayan cats, Cassie and Amanda.
She is survived by her step-children: William D. Nitschke of Ooltewah, TN; Frances Wadsworth of Georgetown, MA; James R. Nitschke, D.M.D. of Pittsford, NY and David A. Nitschke of Atlanta, GA.
A celebration of her life is planned for 11 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2016 at the Page-Theus Funeral Home, Leesburg, Florida. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Leesburg. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a contribution be made in JoAnn’s name to: The Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778 or https://donate.cshospice.org
