JoAnn Humphreys
December 27, 2014
JoAnn Humphreys passed away at her home on December 27, 2014 after a three year battle with Ocular Melanoma Cancer. Preceding her in death were her parents; Michael’s parents, Millie and Lefty Humphreys; brothers-in-law, Phillip Nolte and Bob Humphreys; and nephew, Brad Nolte. Millie considered JoAnn to be the daughter she never had.
JoAnn was born on May 7, 1947 to Gene and Geneva Galeazzi of Melcher, Iowa. JoAnn graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1968 and began her 46 year career at Mercy Des Moines in the Emergency Department and the Intensive Care Unit before moving into teaching. JoAnn received the prestigious Catherine McAuley Award for Nursing Excellence from Mercy College in 2004. She retired in 2014 as the Director of Nursing Programs at Mercy College after earning a BSN degree from Grandview, a MSN degree from Drake, and her Doctorate in Education from the College of St. Mary. JoAnn and Michael Humphreys were married September 13, 1969 and blessed with a son, Tyler.
JoAnn was loved and respected by everyone she came in contact with whether it be Mercy colleagues, students, or her dearest friends. She loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and traveling. Her favorite place being Bryce Canyon National Park where she loved the sunsets. She will now forever enjoy those beautiful sunsets.
She is survived by her husband, Michael; son, Tyler; brother-in-law, Steve Humphreys; six siblings, Dennis (Nancy) Galeazzi, Rebecca Nolte, Carol (Steve) Ross, David Galeazzi, Linda Winkelmann, and Michael (Tamara) Galeazzi; many nieces and nephews; close family friends, Shields and Diggins, and the “Greenbrier Girls”.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2015 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines; and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 3 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Holden Cancer Center at the University of Iowa or to Mercy College.
Condolences may be expressed online at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Bonnie Cogar Beaning
07/28/2015
I just found out about JoAnn's passing. We were childhood friends and neighbors in Melcher. My deepest sympathies to you and your son. May the happy memories you share help you through the rough roads ahead and my the love of friends and family soothe your souls.
Beth (Harkin-Cox) Kain
01/09/2015
Mike, I am so very sorry to hear of JoAnn's passing. I was shocked but I don't see you two anymore and knew nothing of her illness. My heart goes out to you as I know yours is breaking. My condolences and my heartfelt sympathy for you and your son. May God's Blessings be with you and yours. Beth
Kim Smith
01/05/2015
From student to colleague I was blessed to know JoAnn. The world was a better place for having her in it.
LuAnn Galeazzi Adams
01/04/2015
Many fond memories of JoAnn from our many years of family reunions. Although most of our most recent meetings have been through weddings and funerals. We always seem to remember those early years. May Gods blessing be with Mike and Tyler and all those who loved her. She is a remarkable woman. Always gracious and kind to all she had contact with.
Bill Burns
01/03/2015
I am so very sorry for your loss. JoAnn was the best and she will be greatly missed. God bless JoAnn, her family and friends.
Cinda Yates
01/03/2015
I have had JoAnn on my mind all week....just the nicest, sweetest soul...always a smile whe you saw her, no matter what. Pure goodness. I know her family and friends will miss her presence dearly, but hope the memories of your time with her will help get you thru. Be watchful of an angel among you.
chris perrin
01/03/2015
I would like to pass along with sadness my condolences to JoAnn's family. While working at Mercy/Mercy College during the late 80s and 90s, I found JoAnn to be the brightest, most clinically adept, positive and gracious colleague and nursing faculty member. I hope there is some measure of comfort in the lasting legacy of leadership and inspiration she has surely provided over the years.
Michele Westrope
01/02/2015
My deepest sympathy to the Humphrey & Galeazzi Families. I was blessed to have spent a couple days with Jo, her sister, my dear friend, Carol and dear friend, Vickey in October. As always, Jo was the epitome of grace.
Jim Biegger
01/02/2015
Mike,
Although we never kept in touch I still remember introducing you to JoAnn back in '68 at the Nottingham Apts. I'm sorry for your loss of a beautiful person, wife and mother.
Joe Moravec
01/02/2015
Dear Michael and Family,
I have had the privilege of serving these past 11 years on the Mercy College faculty with JoAnn. She was always a joy and blessing to work with. She epitomized in word and deed what it means to be a Godly woman. I will miss her greatly.
william milne,
01/02/2015
mike so sorry to hear of your loss,joann was a very wonderful person, when I was at mercy she always had a smile and a kind word.
Mary Ann (Brower) Be
01/02/2015
Dear Mike,
I was deeply saddened to hear of JoAnn's passing. I first met JoAnn 11 years ago while in nursing school. She was one of my professors and was an instrumental role in my career in nursing (as I know she was to many others). She was an amazing woman--very inspiring and helped motivate me throughout undergrad and graduate school. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie Hinz
01/02/2015
Dear Mike,
How saddened I was to hear of Jo Ann's death. It seems like just the week before I saw her in the halls of the hospital. She was never one to complain or let on that she did not feel well. I always enjoyed seeing the two of you at her appointments. Please know that you, Tyler and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing a wonderful person with so many of us.
Curt Rogers
01/02/2015
My sincere condolences on the loss of JoAnn. Many fond memories of time spent on or around soccer fields years ago with JoAnn, Mike, & Tyler. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Eileen and Rick Gloor
01/01/2015
To the Humphreys and Galeaszzi Families: Our condolences on the loss of a most wonderful person who served as a role model to so many. It was and honor to know and work with JoAnn and she will remain forever in our memory.