JoAnn Donna Nealy

JoAnn Nealy, aged 78, of Naples, Florida passed away on Friday, December 30th, 2022. She is survived by her younger brother: Don Zikas; daughters Jill Nealy and Jennifer Barker; granddaughters; Taylor and Zoey, and her beloved cat, Fifi.

JoAnn was born September 2, 1944 in Casper, Wyoming to Don and Helen Zikas. She grew up in Roseland, Il. with her younger brother Don, and later with her step-brother, Mike Zikas, and step-mother Stella in Dolton, Il. She attended Thornridge High School and later met her husband, Jay Nealy, in an acting class, with whom she settled down in Riverdale, Il. and had two daughters, Jill and Jen. JoAnn was independent and entrepreneurial, opening her first hairdressing business, Hair Stak, with friend, Joan Hernandez, who would become a forever friend, along with her husband Bob. In the summers, JoAnn and her family would enjoy weekends spent together on their boat on Lake Michigan, where she taught her girls how to swim. Jo’s creativity knew no bounds, and it would show in everything she touched. Whether it was a new hairstyle, her clothing, her cooking, her art, or decorating, she exceeded on every level. Maybe it was the hairdresser in her, but you would be hard-pressed to see her out of the house without her hair done and lipstick on, even if it was a quick run to the grocery store. After Jay’s passing, JoAnn moved to Cape Cod, MA with her daughters and opened a hair salon. There she enjoyed the company of her kids, Kishnu the dog, and Muffy the cat. Going out for dinner, perusing the local flea market and seeing the latest movies at the local theater were favorites. After retiring, she moved to Naples, FL, where she enjoyed the pool, the beach, the sunshine, the company of her cats Fraz and Fifi, and meeting new friends at her job or in her condo, like companions June and Carole. She always looked forward to spending time with her family. When her granddaughters would visit, she would take them out early in the morning to see the dolphins from the pier and afterwards, to a special breakfast with just the three of them. Being friends with JoAnn on Facebook meant receiving daily links to ridiculous animal videos. She was an animal lover and the consummate role model: immensely supportive, patient, selfless, and compassionate, with an unmatched sense of humor and wit. There isn’t a better friend, mother, grandmother, sister, or wife, you could ask for. Anyone who had the joy of knowing JoAnn knows her uniqueness was rare, and her passing will leave a great hole where her delicious meals, tight hugs, and her laughter used to be. Being close to JoAnn was a privilege to all of us whom she loved, and our lives are more richer for it.

A time and place for a celebration of life is to be determined but will be announced for anyone who wishes to attend to celebrate JoAnn’s life.

JoAnn had a strong compassion for animals and was an avid supporter of animal rescue. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to your local animal rescue organization in memory of JoAnn.