Alamosa resident JoAnn C. Gallardo, 60, passed away September 21, 2015 at her home in Alamosa. JoAnn was born on October 31, 1954 in Romeo, Colorado the daughter of Charlie and Mary Noriega Gallardo. JoAnn loved her grandchildren immensely and enjoyed every minute with them, they were her life. Alexis and JoAnn share many special memories while cooking and baking. Alexis will always love her Nana Jo’s apple crunch cake, it was always the hit of any get together, and it was always the first thing Alexis would request. Marissa and JoAnn shared a very special bond; there is no way to describe the love that Marissa shared with her Nana Jo. Their relationship and love was beyond anything on this earth. In Marissa’s eyes Nana Jo was her hero. Everywhere those two went together you can be sure that they were singing. JoAnn would call Marissa in the evening and play her special lullaby over the phone for her, “Dreamland” while they sang it together. She also liked to knit and made several blankets and other items. Much of her spare time was spent listening to music, especially The Beatles, and cooking and trying new recipes. JoAnn was an avid Denver Broncos fan and watched them regularly on television. She also enjoyed watching classical movies on TV and reading the bible. JoAnn was a very generous person and would give the shirt of her back to anyone in need. She loved to carry a conversation and keep up with all her family and friends.

JoAnn is survived by her son Andres (Julie) Casados of Pueblo West; her grandchildren Alexis and Marissa; her sisters Sally (Leroy) Quintana of Alamosa and Becky (Joe) Maez of Alamosa; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father; her sisters Emma Noriega and Jeanette (Eugene) Quintana, her nieces Ruby, Melissa and Sandy Cordova; her grandparents Fidel and Emma Noriega and Carlos and Maria Gallardo; as well as numerous uncles.

Cremation was chosen and private family services were held. Inurnment of ashes will take place at a later time in the Alamosa Cemetery.

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