Jo Ann Gardner McLeod

April 16, 1934—March 19, 2024

Heaven got another Angel. Jo Ann quietly passed away in her sleep after a brief illness. She was born in Fairplay, Colorado on April 16, 1934. She was the daughter of Jack and Alice (Sheehan) Gardner. The family relocated to Butte in 1936, where her brother Jack was born. Butte was her hometown and she loved it deeply. Educated at Butte Catholic schools, she graduated from Girls Central, class of 1952. She attended St. Mary's College in Leavenworth, Kansas. Returning to Butte, she worked as a training supervisor for Mountain Bell.

In 1955, while celebrating her 21st birthday, she met a young veteran, Jack McLeod, who was attending Montana State University. They married on September 22, 1956, and never looked back. In 1960, a friend lent them $600 and suggested that they consider a career in Real Estate.  Again, they never looked back and forged what today is, the McLeod Real Estate Group. Jo Ann managed the office and took care of the bookkeeping. She was the rock that made things work.

She was also very proficient at having babies. To the union was born four boys, Bill, John, Mike, and Jim and their precious daughter, Mary Ann. Jo Ann never missed a sporting event that involved her boys. She took great pride in their accomplishments.

In 1971, life changed for the McLeod family when, at age four, Mary Ann contracted Viral Encephalitis and, after 63 days in a coma, was diagnosed as developmentally impaired. The best definition of motherhood is spelled Jo Ann. Not only did she care for Mary Ann, but she also became an advocate for the handicapped. In 1977, Gov. Tom Judge appointed her to the Montana Board of the Disabled. Shortly thereafter, in order to address local school problems, she ran for and was elected as a trustee of School District #1. Her trustee job was not easy, but she prevailed in her dedication to those less fortunate. Jo Ann spent the remainder of her life as a true advocate.

Jo Ann was a very gregarious person and led a devout Catholic life. Mass, three or four times a week, was common. She also enjoyed her play time. Famous places for recreation were the Georgetown Lake home and Mike and Vero's Mesquite, Nevada retreat. She and her husband traveled throughout Mexico. They enjoyed their trip to the Beara area of Ireland where they met ancestors and viewed the homes of their grandparents.

In 1977, together with their son, Jim, they enjoyed a 21-day hunting safari to Mozambique, Africa. The highlight of that trip was four days enjoying Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

One of the best descriptions of Jo Ann was that this elegant lady was a true friend, and her presence would light up a room. She was preceded in death by her father Jack, mother Alice, daughter Mary Ann, brother, Jack, and sister-in-law Jackie, mother-in-law Margaret McLeod, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, June and John Harrington.

She is survived by her husband, Jack, sons, Bill, John, Mike (Veronica), and Jim (Carolyn), as well as grandchildren, Alex, Jack, Erika, Michaela, Mijah, Giovanna, and great-granddaughter, Charlie Ann.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann's on Monday, March 25, 2024. Services start at 11 a.m., with visitation starting at 10 a.m. lf desired, donations to Butte Rescue Mission or Butte Sheltered Workshop.