It is with heavy hearts that the family of Jo Ann (Smith) Leet announce her passing on May 15, 2021 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Glace Bay, N.S. on August 30, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Sidney and Margaret (MacCormack) Smith. Jo Ann attended school in Glace Bay and graduated from St. Anne’s High School. She later attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1960 with her Registered Nurse Diploma. Leaving Glace Bay for the big city of Toronto with her good friend Paula (Walker) Andrea, Jo Ann accepted employment with St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, where she worked for many years.
Jo Ann changed careers and had a long, successful career with Ilsco Electrical Company in Toronto, where she was promoted to managing supervisor. It was during this time that she met her husband, Holly Leet, and they began building a life together.
Although Jo Ann enjoyed her many years living and working in Toronto, her heart belonged in Cape Breton. After retirement, Jo Ann and Holly moved back home and took up residence on the Mira River, Jo Ann’s greatest joy.
Jo Ann was very proud of being from Glace Bay and equally proud of her Scottish heritage. She was a loyal friend to all, especially her nursing colleagues; she kept in close touch with each of them over the years.
During retirement (although she did return to nursing for a short period of time), Jo Ann was able to pursue her many talents and hobbies. She could be found doing the daily crossword puzzles, woodworking, sewing a new set of window dressings, or photographing a beautiful sunset on the hill in Mira. She was an avid reader and loved to do the large-scale puzzles. Jo Ann’s love of football could be witnessed every Sunday never missing a game, especially when her favorite player, Tom Brady, was playing. Jo Ann was a participant in the Dooley’s football pool and was successful at winning many times. Jo Ann also enjoyed her involvement with the Mira Players for many years.
Jo Ann is survived by her Aunt Ruth Smith, Cambridge, Ontario; her niece, Diane (Peter) Chauvin, Scarborough, Ontario; very close and personal friends, Sheila Crawford, Toronto, Ontario, Peggy (MacLellan) Jenkins, Sydney, N.S., and Paula (Walker) Andrea, Sydney, N.S.; as well as many cousins. Besides her parents, Jo Ann was predeceased by her husband, Holly Leet; sister Helen (Babe) Smith; special friends, Gloria MacGillivray and James (Jimmy) Wiseman; as well as many nursing colleagues and friends.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Patten’s Funeral Home, 71 Union Street, Glace Bay, N.S. Due to COVID-19, a gathering to celebrate her life will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 26th from 11:30am until 1:30pm at Patten Funeral Home, with a graveside service taking place at 2:00pm at Forest Haven Cemetery also on Tuesday. Donations in Jo Ann’s memory can be made to the SPCA or Cape Breton Cancer Care Fund, under the direction of Tom MacNeil. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com.
