Joanne Calabresa

JoAnne (Brooks) Calabresa, age 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 26th, 2019 from complications of liver disease. She was born on February 4th, 1949 in Wisconsin Rapids to Raymond and Mary Lou (Voss) Brooks, the oldest of five children.

Throughout her childhood and much of her adult life, she lived in Berlin,WI. In her teen years, she worked with her dad and uncles at the family business which she was very proud of, Carri-Craft Catamarans. In 1972 her first daughter was born, which was the beginning of her favorite job in the world, motherhood. Over the course of the next 13 years she was blessed with 3 more daughters, which where her pride and joy. In 1992, JoAnne and her family moved to Stevens Point, where she continued raising her family and made many new friends. When her children were all grown, she moved to Waunakee, and resided there for the last 15 years. From an early age, JoAnne loved babysitting and taking care of her young cousins & siblings. This led to her career in childcare. She raised her daughters, while providing the best care anyone could ever dream of for their young ones. "JoJo" touched countless lives by doing in-home childcare, and working in daycare facilities for over thirty years.

Family meant the world to JoAnne. She loved holidays and family get togethers, especially the annual Christmas Cookie Baking Weekend. Surrounding herself with her children and grandchildren lit up her life. She never missed a birthday party, recital, sporting event, or concert, and was always supporting her family. JoAnne had a lifetime love of music and singing which she shared with her family. She was a member of the church choir in her younger years, loved to gather around the piano and sing Christmas carols, and never missed a chance to dance. Some of her favorite pastimes were cooking homemade meals for her family, baking sweet treats, shopping and going out to eat - but never without first doing her hair and makeup! She enjoyed family vacations, reading, TV and watching movies, especially with popcorn. Even through years of health issues and chronic pain, JoAnne continued to put others first and make family her priority. She had a kind, nurturing way of making everyone feel they were special and you always knew you were loved. Her smile and sweet, caring nature could brighten anyone's day.

JoAnne is survived by her daughters Melissa (Steve) DeSpirito of Waunakee, Keriann Krug of Fond du Lac, Emma (Jason) Filut of Plover, and Betsy Calabresa (Nate Stanton) of Madison; grandchildren Alyssa, Brooks, and Carter DeSpirito, Kailey, Brady, and Jacob Filut; sister Chris Mendleski, brother John Brooks, and brother-in-law Tom Kolpin; former husband Michael Calabresa; grandpuppy Trooper; many treasured nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; lifelong friend Sue Tracy, and other friends and relatives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Kolpin, and brother Dan Brooks.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at 10:30 on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at CRESS CENTER, 6021 University Ave., Madison. A memorial service will be at noon with a lunch reception to follow in the Cress Center Terrace Room.

Donations, in memory of JoAnne, may be made to the American Liver Foundation,
https://liverfoundation.org/.

JoAnne's family would like to thank the countless medical professionals and
caregivers who helped her throughout her health battles.

Mom, JoJo, Grandma Jo, Aunt JoJo... you taught us traditions, never ending love
and togetherness. You will always be in our hearts, and will never be forgotten.

CRESS CENTER
6021 University Ave.
Madison WI 53705
(608)238-8406