Joanne McCuen

Joanne McCuen departed this world and walked into the loving arms of Jesus on February 12, 2013 at Chautauqua Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Clarice Joanne Hoffman was born November 14, 1929 in Ottumwa, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Robb E Leon on August 17, 1947 during a double ceremony in the rose garden at her grandparents’ home. Together, they raised five daughters and enjoyed 40 years of marriage before his passing in 1987. She married Norris Glenn McCuen on April 29, 1988 in Ottumwa, Iowa, and became a second mother to his seven children. They were blessed with nearly 24 years together before his death in 2012. Joanne did administrative work at dairies in Spencer, Iowa and Ottumwa, Iowa, and spent sixteen years employed by Ottumwa Regional Medical Center as an admissions clerk. Joanne was known by many to have a sweet gentle spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. She also possessed a quiet inner strength that helped carry her through some very difficult times. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and cherished friend. “Mama Jo” loved babies and thoroughly enjoyed being a grandmother. She also had a soft spot for animals, especially kittens and puppies. She was an excellent cook, and enjoyed many creative hobbies including sewing, basket weaving, and stitchery. She loved crossword puzzles and word finds.
Joanne is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Margaret Hoffman, her siblings Larry Hoffman, and Sondra Cressel, an infant brother Russell Hoffman, her first husband Robb Leon, second husband Glenn McCuen, and grandson David Fickel.

She is survived by her daughters, Cathy Leon of Des Moines, Iowa; Lisa (and Jeff) Cameron of Fort Worth, Texas; Robin (and Mitch) Aanden of Litchfield, Minnesota; Ann (and Andy) Glasson of Chaska, Minnesota; and Carol (and JD) Calhoun of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She will also be greatly missed by her step-children, Pam (and Selman) Ellisor of DeFuniak Springs, Florida; Carol (and Tommy) Steele of Oak Grove, Mississippi; David (and Fran) McCuen of New Iberia, Louisiana; Glenn III (and Kathy) McCuen, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida; Pat (and Bob) Hearne of Knoxville, Tennessee; Mike McCuen of Columbus, Ohio; and Mark (and Courtney) McCuen of Crossville, Tennessee. She also leaves behind 28 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, her sister-in-law and dear friend Juanita Leon of Ottumwa, Iowa, a sister-in-law Phyllis Rogers of Macomb, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be directed to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org). Visitation and services will be held at the Reece Funeral Home Sunday February 17, 2013 at 2:30 P.M. followed by interment at Shaul Cemetery, both in Ottumwa.