From Jo-Ann Danzis’ Obituary…..

“Jo-Ann Danzis, A Small Giant”

“Anyone who’s had a connection to pancreatic cancer knows that it’s particularly aggressive. Although she passed on January 28, 2015 Jo-Ann Danzis approached this disease with a tireless energy like she did with all other endeavors in life inspiring many others along the way. It was this determination that allowed her to survive for nearly three and a half years….Only 5’2” and living just about 74 years, she may have been short in stature, shorted in years but was very long in life.”

Suffering the loss of a loved-one is among the most difficult experiences we all must endure. While we can’t turn back time, we can find a way to honor the memory and legacy of those who have left us. When the question of how to do this crossed my mind I thought it would be best to focus on the many aspects that Jo-Ann Danzis embodied and then use them to create a framework that would benefit others.

Who was Jo-Ann? A “perpetual motion machine” who wove a broad life and always relished a challenge. From the beginning and with a competitive spirit she accomplished much. With many years as a college professor, high school teacher and research chemist at the Rockefeller Institute -when women were a less than common in scientific research- she always sought to broaden knowledge and pass it on to others. After raising her family she returned to professional life to become a successful private businesswoman. While her career played an important role in her identity it was her personal life that truly made her who she was- an athlete, painter, photographer, sculptor, art collector, lover of music and theater, gourmet cook and wine collector … but more than anything she cherished her role as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend who would always share her wisdom, fortitude and selfless nature.

It was this expansive and rich existence that inspired the formation of the Jo-Ann Danzis Foundation. By supporting the advancement of our mission, the foundation aims to improve the lives of all it touches while remaining as a lasting memorial to the person whose name it bears.

On behalf of the foundation—thank you,

Mitchell Danzis

Trustee & President, Jo-Ann Danzis Foundation