Catherine JoAnn Bryan

Catherine JoAnn Bryan, affectionately known as "JoAnn," a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, great-grandmother, and cherished member of her community, died peacefully on August 19, 2024, at the age of 92.

Born on February 17, 1932, in Hannibal, Missouri, JoAnn grew up with a strong sense of family and community. On June 1, 1949, she married Tom Bryan, with whom she shared 46 wonderful years of marriage, creating a life filled with love, partnership, and family.

In 1984, JoAnn and Tom settled in Tucson, Arizona, where they found a new community to embrace. JoAnn dedicated three decades of her life to caring for children as a daycare provider, touching the lives of countless families with her kindness and patience. She spent several happy years working alongside her daughter, Cathy, at Cathy’s accounting business. After Cathy died in 1990, she transitioned to a new role as a reservation agent with American Airlines, where her friendliness and joyful attitude were greatly appreciated by both her colleagues and the many travelers she assisted.

JoAnn had a passion for collecting dolls and bears, a hobby that brought her immense joy over the years. She was an active member of Doll Clubs, where she shared her enthusiasm with fellow collectors. Also, she enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Society, a group that celebrated friendship and fun. A woman of deep faith, JoAnn was an active member of Christ Presbyterian Church, where she found spiritual fulfillment and a close-knit community.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her daughter, Cathy Smith, in 1990, and her husband, Tom Bryan, in 1995. JoAnn's legacy is carried on by her children, Steven Bryan, Ellen (& Chris) Bittman, and Mike (& Lauren) Bryan. She was a proud grandmother to Kimberly (& Danny) Gerhart, Alex (& Mare) Bryan, Andy Bryan, Athena (& Justin) Bryan DeCarlo, Emily Bittman, and step-grandmother to Tara Bittman. She was a great-grandmother to Aidan Bryan Newton and Olena Bryan Newton. Her love, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

JoAnn was a light in the lives of those who knew her, treating everyone she met with generosity and kindness. She had a unique ability to find joy in the everyday moments of life and was known for her mischievous side, which brought smiles and laughter to those around her. JoAnn will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, her friends, her work, and her community. She leaves behind a legacy of love and a life well-lived.

A memorial service will be held for her on Saturday, September 14th at 10:00 AM at Christ Presbyterian Church located at 6565 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Spreadkindness.org in JoAnn’s name.