Jody Currie

Joanne Grossman was born to Irving and Janet Grossman in Des Moines. She attended North High School and Stephens College.

Jody was a pioneer in the Des Moines dance world and proud owner of Currie Dance Studio. She was the founding president of the Mid-America Dance Masters of America, Chapter 34. Jody had the opportunity to perform on the television show Ted Mack in New York City and was then invited to travel with the Ted Mack Amateur Hour that toured the United States. She touched thousands of lives, teaching at her dance studios located in Des Moines, Urbandale and surrounding area. The Currie Dance Studio continues to thrive today in Urbandale, Iowa.

During her dance career, she produced many successful professional dancers and several students who went on to become teachers themselves.

Jody lived life to the fullest. She cartwheeled on the lawn at Versailles, earned her pilot's license, walked on her hands across Pennsylvania Ave in Washington DC and traveled to Japan with the Iowa Friendship Force. Her achievements included dancing professionally in New York City and Canada, synchronized swimming AAU National Champion (the highest level someone could achieve at that time), skydiving, flying planes and taking taekwondo classes.

She loved to travel the world. Some of her favorite hobbies included gardening, boating, and camping with her family. She was a passionate game player and loved winning at ping pong, board games, cards, bingo, and beanbag baseball.

But Jody‘s proudest achievement was her family. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Mark Currie (Katie) of West Des Moines, daughter, Jani Currie Ruggieri (Rick) of Urbandale. Grandchildren, Alex (Alison), Tyler, Jacey (An), Austin (Kayla), Danika (Josh) and 8 great grandchildren.

Jody was preceded in death by Pierre Colletier (husband), Irving and Janet Grossman (parents), and Phyllis Weber (sister).

The family wishes to thank the staff at Woodland Creek, Dr. Rabang, and numerous former students and friends for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent to the ARL of Iowa.

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO SPARKLE!

A visitation for Jody will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM.

Jody will be laid to rest in the Resthaven Mausoleum, 801 19th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265-3303.

The memorial service will be recorded, and the link to the recording will be posted on www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com after the service has taken place.