"I worked with Joanna at Dept of Revenue. On breaks we often talked about our favorite books & PBS programs. What a pleasant, interesting gal! RIP, Joanna. "
In loving memory of
Joanna Bleakley
October 12, 1938 - April 14, 2018
Madison- Joanna Bleakley, 79, passed away on April 14, 2018 with the prayers of her family. The daughter of Ben J. and Betty (Marks) Bleakley of Racine, WI. Jo is survived by her sister; Patricia Bleakley of Madison, WI and her brother; William Marks Bleakley of Springfield, IL.
Jo attended Mt. St. Mary Academy in St. Charles, IL and graduated St. Louis University with a BA in English and an MA in English Research. She attended UW-Madison ABD and taught at Quincy College, University of Arizona, and University of Wisconsin.
Most important to Jo was her sister and caretaker, Pat, and her brother, Bill. Her joy was her friends from St. Bernard's, her coffee and book clubs, her exercise groups, and her Plato class. They were bright, kind, and generous to her comments, willing to listen patiently about horses, horses, horses.
Say a prayer for Jo. If you wish, a small donation may be made to St. Bernard Parish (www.StBMidd.org) or St. Louis University (www.SLU.edu).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2015 Parmenter Street, Middleton, WI 53562, on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 11:00 am, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. A visitation will be held at church from 10 am until the time of service.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
Tributes
"We enjoyed knowing Jo at our Monticello book club and our coffee group. Jo often had some interesting insights into our books and helped us have many lively conversations. We will miss her. Judy Olson"